JOHN    HANCOCK 

His  BOOK 


BY 

ABRAM  ENGLISH  BROWN 

ATTHOK  OF  "HISTORY  OF  BEDFORD" 

'GLIMPSES  OF  OLD  NEW  ENGLAND  LIFE"  "  HENEATH  OLD  ROOFTREES' 
"BESIDE  OLD  HEARTHSTONES"  ETC. 


//  is  never  too  late  to  repair  an  injury  or  pay  a  debt  of  gratitude 


BOSTON 
LEE  AND  SHEPARD  PUBLISHERS 

I  O      M  I  I.  K       STREET 

I 


COPYRIGHT,   1898,  BY  LEE  AND  SHEPARJ 


All  rights,  reserved 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   His  P>f 


C.    J.     PETRRS    &    SON,    TYPOT.R APHERS,    BOSTON 
BERWICK    &    SMITH,    PRINTERS,    NORWOOD    PRESS 


TO 

G  K  O  R  G  E     F  R  I  S  B  I  K     HOAR 

HONORED  SENIOR  SENATOR  OF 
MASSACHUSETTS 

<T{)ts  Fohttnc 

IS   GRATEFULLY    INSCRIBED. 


271464 


PREFA  C  E 


WHILE  engaged  in  the  preparation  of  an  article  upon 
the  mercantile  life  of  John  Hancock,  my  attention  was 
directed  to  a  volume  of  manuscript  of  possible  use  in 
my  line  of  study. 

Curiosity  led  me  to  a  thorough  examination,  requiring 
many  weeks  of  the  most  studious  labor,  the  result  of 
which  was  first  given  to  the  public  through  the  columns 
of  the  Boston  Transcript.  The  interest  manifested  was 
sufficient  to  induce  me  to  issue  this  volume  in  hopes 
that  it  might  create  a  demand  for  a  life  of  John  Han 
cock,  which  may  be  given  the  public  by  other  hands. 

Courtesies  aiding  in  the  preparation  of  this  volume 
have  been  received  from  John  Ward  Dean,  A.M.,  libra 
rian  of  the  New  England  Historic  Genealogical  So 
ciety  ;  Samuel  Arthur  Bent,  clerk  and  treasurer  of  the 
Bostonian  Society  ;  Mr.  Harrison  Gray  Otis ;  the  histor 
ical  societies  of  the  towns  of  Concord,  Lexington,  and 
Bedford ;  and  from  Allen  Coffin,  Esq.,  of  Nantucket, 
Rev.  E.  G.  Porter  of  Boston,  Mrs.  William  Wales  of 
Dorchester,  Mrs.  Lydia  Taft  of  Boston,  owner  of  the 
portraits  of  Thomas  Hancock  and  wife,  and  other  inter 
ested  friends  of  a  long-neglected  patriot. 

ABRAM    ENGLISH    BROWN. 


CONTENTS 


CHAPTER  I.  —  INTRODUCTORY  AND  BIOGRAPHICAL     ...        2 

Neglect  of  John  Hancock.  Family  Record.  Adoption  of  the 
Boy  John  by  Thomas  Hancock.  In  Latin  School  and  Har 
vard  College.  Boyhood  Visits  to  Lexington  and  Bedford. 
Sojourn  in  England. 

CHAPTER  II 

The  Famous  Autograph.  Hancock  Wharf.  John  Wendell  a 
Fellow-Merchant.  The  Bowes  Family  at  Bedford  and 
Boston. 

CHAPTER  III 14 

John  Hancock  enters  the  Firm.  Garrison  Supplies.  Death  of 
John  Wendell.  Sir  Peter  and  Lady  Warren.  Tory  Row. 

CHAPTER  IV 21 

Family  Supplies.  The  Boston  Packet.  James  Scott  first  ap 
pears.  Ship  Coal  from  Newcastle.  Settling  General  Whit- 
more' s  Estate.  Thomas  Hancock  fails  in  Health.  Garrison 
Supplies.  Province  Treasury  as  a  Bank. 

CHAPTER  V 32 

Thomas  Hancock's  Private  Charity.  Launching  of  the  Boston 
Packet.  Her  First  Voyage.  James  Otis  as  Attorney.  Other 
Noted  Lawyers.  Hancock  sends  for  Wigs.  Costumes  of 
the  Time.  Correspondence  with  Lady  Warren.  Aid  to 
Prisoners  at  Brest.  Hancock  Firm  lost  Control  of  Nan- 
tucket  Oil-Trade.  Deals  in  Mortgages. 

CHAPTER  VI 41 

Passengers  to  England.  William  Rotch  in  the  Commercial  Busi 
ness.  James  Scott  advised  to  Prudence.  Death  of  Thomas 
Hancock.  Funeral  Customs.  John  Hancock  and  Nan- 
tucket  Merchants.  Group  of  Old  Boston  Merchants.  Lon 
don  Insurance. 

vii 


Vlll  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

CHAPTER  VII 51 

Effort  to  collect  Bills  in  London.  John  Hancock  aids  Relatives 
and  Friends.  An  Eye  for  Business.  In  Quarantine.  Re 
solves  to  do  no  More  Business  on  Shares.  Watches  Com 
petitors.  Small-pox  injures  Business.  Sends  to  London  for 
Shoes.  His  Boston  Shoemaker.  Sends  for  Sea-Coals,  Tea, 
Hemp,  etc. 

CHAPTER  VIII 61 

Revenue  Laws  make  Bankrupts.     Sir  Peter  Warren.      Hancock 
tries    to    form    an    Oil-Trust.       John    Hancock's    Financial 
Straits.      Hancock's    Dinner-Party    with    William    Rotch.     . 
Chosen  on  the  Board  of  Selectmen.     Draws  from  the  Prov 
ince  Treasury.     Invoice  of  Silks. 

CHAPTER  IX 77 

Rivalry  between  Hancock  and  Rotch.  John  Hancock  as  a  Fi 
nancial  Adviser.  Trade  with  Madeira.  Compassion  for  the 
Aged.  John  Hancock's  Ship  Liberty  and  Her  First  Com 
munication  to  London.  Stamp  Act  a  Cruel  Hardship. 
Stamps  arrive.  Severe  Treatment  of  Oliver  and  Hutchinson. 
New  Brig  Harrison.  John  Hancock  will  not  be  a  Slave. 
Hancock  makes  a  Record  for  Posterity. 

CHAPTER  X 89 

People  refuse  to  use  Stamps.  Large  Tax  paid  by  the  Hancock 
Firm.  Evil  Forebodings  of  November  First.  Slaves  in  the 
Colonies.  Boston  instructs  Representatives  in  General 
Court.  John  Hancock  appeals  to  Heaven.  Sends  to  Lon 
don  for  Books  —  a  Gift  for  Harvard  College.  John  Han 
cock  in  Despondency.  Ships  Goods  without  Stamps. 
Goods  ordered  on  Condition  of  the  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act. 
No  Telephone.  Rides  to  Lexington. 

CHAPTER  XI 105 

Ever  Ready  to  aid  Worthy  Young  Men.  Hancock  neglects  His 
Own  Business  for  the  Good  of  His  Country.  A  General 
Business  Agency.  List  of  Merchants  associated  with  Han 
cock.  Orders  Goods  in  Case  the  Stamp  Act  is  repealed. 
"Hancock  and  His  Crew."  Loss  by  Wreck.  Colonel 
Henry  Bromfield.  Richard  Clark.  Hancock  in  Town- 
Meeting.  Garrison  Supplies. 

CHAPTER  XII \ 114 

Hancock  starts  a  Young  Man  in  Business.  Boldly  declares  His 
Rights.  Introduces  William  Bowes.  Solicits  Business. 


CONTENTS  ix 

PAC;H 

Merchants  in  London  feel  the  Business  Depression.  Utter 
ances  of  the  Press.  Liberty  Tree.  Hancock  on  Committee 
of  Resolutions  for  Town  of  Plymouth. 

CHAPTER  XIII 122 

The  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act.  The  Welcome  News  brought  by 
Hancock's  Vessel.  The  Public  Rejoicing.  Hancock  freely 
treats  to  Madeira.  Inscriptions  to  Liberty  engraved  by 
Paul  Revere.  Hancock  in  General  Court. 

CHAPTER  XIV 133 

.Hancock's  111  Health.  A  Merchant's  Shrewdness.  Absorbing 
Cares.  Power  of  Resentment.  Boston  Harbor  frozen  over. 
Scarcity  of  Money,  llancock  represents  Boston  in  the  Gen 
eral  Court.  Hancock  recommends  James  Otis,  Esq.,  as  an 
Attorney.  Change  in  London  Agents.  Hancock  scatters 
Guineas  among  His  Poor  Tenants.  Non-Importation  Reso 
lutions  are  revived.  Orders  Wine  from  Madeira.  Hancock 
had  Everything  to  lose  and  Nothing  to  gain. 

CHAPTER  XV 153 

Unanimous  Election  to  the  General  Court.  Hancock  and  Haley 
exchange  Presents.  Town-Meeting  adjourned  to  South 
Meeting-House .  Troops  arrive  in  Boston  to  compel  Sub 
mission.  -Hancock  denies  a  Bold  Accusation.  New  Agree 
ments  in  Regard  to  Trade.  General  Court  removed  to 
Cambridge.  Hancock  vindicates  Himself. 

CHAPTER  XVI 172 

Hancock  recovers  from  Severe  Illness.  Gifts  to  Brattle-Street 
Church.  Hancock  Memorials  in  Country  Towns.  Gift  of 
a  Fire-Engine  to  Boston.  John  Hancock  commissioned  a 
Colonel  of  Cadets.  Journey  to  Connecticut.  Boston  Tea- 
Party.  Hancock  sends  William  Palfrey  to  carry  News  of 
Destruction  of  Tea  to  Philadelphia. 

CHAPTER  XVII 182 

William  Palfrey  conducts  Hancock's  Business.  John  Hancock 
delivers  the  Massacre  Oration.  Arrival  and  Reception  of 
General  Gage.  Colonel  Hancock  and  the  Cadets.  Han 
cock's  Commission  revoked.  Legislature  meets  at  Salem. 
Last  Session  called  by  a  Governor  under  the  Crown.  Pro 
vincial  Congress  at  Concord  and  Cambridge.  Boston  School 
boys  keep  a  Secret,  and  save  the  Cannon.  Indignation  of 
Treatment  of  a  Billerica  Man.  Gage's  Army  injure  Han- 


X  CONTENTS 

PAGE 

cock's  Property.  Notable  Gathering  at  Lexington  Parson 
age.  Battle  of  Lexington.  Flight  from  Gage's  Army  to 
Burlington  and  Billerica. 

CHAPTER  XVIII .     196 

^John  Hancock  chosen  President  of  the  Second  Continental  Con 
gress.  He  is  proscribed  by  Proclamation  of  General  Gage. 
A  Love-Letter  and  Subsequent  Marriage. 

CHAPTER  XIX 205 

Hancock's  Letter  to  Washington  in  Regard  to  Bombarding 
Boston.  Letter  to  Canada.  Rejoicing  at  Washington's  Re 
port  of  the  Evacuation  of  Boston.  Occupants  of  Hancock 
Mansion  during  the  Siege  of  Boston.  Hancock  denounces 
Charge  against  the  Provinces.  Hancock  and  His  Wife  in 
vite  General  and  Lady  Washington  to  their  home  at  Phila 
delphia.  Declaration  of  Independence.  Flight  to  Baltimore. 
Birth  of  a  Daughter  to  John  and  Dorothy  Hancock.  Han 
cock's  Appeal  for  Protection  of  New  England. 

CHAPTER  XX 215 

Congress  returns  to  Philadelphia.  Letter  to  Mrs.  Hancock. 
Hancock  resigns  as  President  of  Congress.  Returns  to 
Boston.  Reception.  Elected  to  Town  Office.  Military 
Service.  Reception  to  French  Fleet.  Hancock  pays  Bills 
for  Boston's  Honor. 

CHAPTER  XXI. 230 

Again  in  General  Court.  Severe  on  the  Loyalists.  In  Conven 
tion  to  form  the  State  Constitution.  Elected  the  First 
Governor  under  the  Constitution.  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel  Cooper 
preached  the  First  Election  Sermon.  Calls  for  Financial 
Consideration  from  Government.  Hancock  resumes  Busi 
ness.  Letters  to  London.  Orders  for  Family  Supplies. 

CHAPTER  XXII 238 

Hancock  Mansion  and  Gardens.  Noted  Guests  entertained. 
Household  Supplies.  Mrs.  John  Hancock's  Apparel.  Han 
cock  Coach.  Governor  John  Hancock  pays  the  Debt  to 
Nature.  Funeral  of  the  First  Governor  of  the  State  of  Massa 
chusetts.  Mrs.  Dorothy  Hancock  marries  Captain  James 
Scott.  Madam  Dorothy  Scott  and  General  Lafayette. 

CHAPTER  XXIII «. 249 

Financial  Retrospect. 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


John  Hancock,  by  Copley Frontispiece 

Rev.  John  Hancock,  Grandfather  of  the  Patriot r^gc    3 

Mrs.  John  Hancock,  Grandmother  of  the  Patriot      ....  "4 

Nicholas  Bovves's  Candlestick "       5 

Nicholas  Bowes's  Inkstand  Dish "       5 

Autograph  of  John  Hancock 

Dominie  Manse,  Bedford 10 

Hancock  Mansion,  Boston "12 

Reproduction  of  Letter  of  1763      ...  "     14 

Thomas  Hancock "     16 

Mrs.  Thomas  Hancock "17 

Apthorp  House,  Cambridge "19 

Longfellow  House 22 

Autograph  of  James  Scott "     25 

The  Boston  Packet "28 

James  Otis "34 

Cocked  Hat  and  Hat-Box "37 

Rotch  Warehouse,  Nantucket .  "43 

Gov.  William  Shirley  and  Autograph "52 

Old  State-House "58 

Hancock  Table  and  Furnishings "60 

Hancock  Autograph  Letter  of  1765    ....  "63 

William  Rotch "65 

Bill  of  Exchange  of   17.66 "71 

Harrison  Gray,  Province  Treasurer "75 

Facsimile  of  Stamp 83 

Letter  of  1765 "85 

Home  of  Rev.  John  Hancock,  Lexington    .  "     90 

John  Hancock's  Book-Plate "97 

Book-Title " "97 

xi 


LIST  OF  ILLUSTRATIONS 


John  Hancock's  Money-Book 

Hancock  Family  Tomb  at  Lexington      ....  1 1 1 

Faneuil  Hall  of  1763     .  .     .     .        "     116 

Invoice  Head  used  by  John  Hancock      .  nS 

Old  South  Meeting-House  l2^ 

Osgood  House,  Andover  . 

Hancock  Sun-Pial    .  MI 

Autograph  of  Isaac  Cazneau,  Jr.    .     .  M4 

Autograph  of  William  Palfrey    ....  MS 

Hancock  Doorknocker  MiS 

The  Province  House     .... 

Home  of  Isaac  Royall,  Medford 

Autograph  Order l^ 

Old  Parish  Meeting-House,  Concord  .  l87 

Hubbard  House,  Concord 

Site  of  Amos  Wyman  House,  Billerica J9r 

Forest  Path  taken  by  Hancock  and  Adams,  April  19,  1775  .  195 

Precinct  Parsonage,  Burlington 

John  Hancock,  President  of  Continental  Congress  .  203 

General  George  Washington 

Mrs.  John  Hancock      .     . 

Autograph  of  William  Hoskins 

Facsimile  of  Letter  to  Mrs.  Mary  Haley 

Scarlet  Velvet  Coat,  etc 

Hancock  Monument  in  Granary  Burying-Ground  246 

Madam  Scott 24S 


John   Hancock,  His  Book 


CHAPTER    I 

INTRODUCTORY   AND    BIOGRAPHICAL 

NEGLECT  OF  JOHN  HANCOCK.  FAMILY  RECORD.  ADOPTION 
OF  THE  BOY  JOHN  BY  THOMAS  HANCOCK.  IN  LATIN 
SCHOOL  AND  HARVARD  COLLEGE.  BOYHOOD  VISITS  TO 
LEXINGTON  AND  BEDFORD.  SOJOURN  IN  ENGLAND. 

"Ill-:  who  would  study  the  career  of  Hancock  must 
glean  it  piecemeal  from  the  brief  notices  of  the  encyclo 
paedias,  the  pages  of  general  history,  and  the  biographies 
of  other  men,"  said  Curtis  Guild,  Jr.,  at  the  unveiling 
of  the  memorial  to  John  Hancock  in  Boston,  on  Sept. 
10,  1896.  Various  reasons  may  be  assigned  for  this 
neglect.  Hancock  died  at  the  age  of  fifty-six  years,  and 
left  no  descendants.  His  numerous  relatives  received 
and  enjoyed  his  great  wealth  ;  but  neither  pride  nor 
gratitude  incited  them  to  the  work  of  writing  the  life 
of  their  benefactor.  His  unremitting  toils  and  sacrifices 
for  the  public  good  during  the  most  trying  period  of 
the  history  of  this  republic  may  have  been  so  far  over 
shadowed  by  his  unaccountable  management  of  the 
treasury  of  Harvard  College  as  to  deter  any  man  of 
that  institution  from  undertaking  the  work. 

i 


HAXCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


We  are  thankful  that  the  Commonwealth  of  Massa 
chusetts  has  so  far  repaired  this  neglect  and  paid  her 
debt  of  gratitude  as  to  erect  the  monument  now  to  be 
seen  at  the  tomb  of  her  first  governor  in  the  Old  Gran 
ary  Burying-Ground,  Boston  ;  and  it  is  hoped  that  some 
pen  is  now  at  work  upon  an  adequate  history  of  John 
Hancock  which  the  public  will  welcome  before  many 
years. 

It  is  not  the  purpose  of  this  volume  to  supply  the  long- 
felt  want,  except  in  so  far  as  the  letters  of  the  man  may 
afford  slight  glimpses  of  it.  Ruskin  has  said  that  "the 
true  biography  of  a  nation  is  written  in  the  book  of  its 
deeds,  the  book  of  its  art,  and  the  book  of  its  words." 
It  is  to  the  book  of  the  deeds  and  words  of  John  Han 
cock  that  I  wish  to  direct  my  readers. 

There  is  no  better  way  in  which  to  reach  the  real 
sentiments  of  a  man  than  through  his  private  corre 
spondence.  Speeches  are  for  the  public,  and  often  are 
more  truly  the  voice  of  the  people  than  of  the  speaker  ; 
but  in  letters  to  trusted  friends  the  man  records  his  real 
self.  It  is  my  purpose  to  allow  the  letters  of  John  Han 
cock  to  speak  for  him,  introducing  only  such  familiar 
facts  of  history  as  are  needful  to  make  clear  the  long- 
hidden  utterances  of  the  man.  These  letters  cover  that 
period  of  our  history  which  Rufus  Choate  said  was  the 
most  significant,  but  most  neglected  decade,  —  that  from 
the  revenue  acts  to  open  hostilities.  But  before  brush 
ing  away  the  dust  of  a  full  century  from  this  worm-eaten 
volume  of  manuscript,  let  me  pause  to  introduce  my 
friend  to  the  rising  generation.  I  say  "my  friend  "  be 
cause  I  rate  in  my  circle  of  friends  all  whose  labors  have 
conspired  to  give  to  me  this  glorious  heritage  of  freedom. 

He  was  the  third  in  as  many  generations  of  the  fam- 


IN  TROD  UC  7  VA'  Y  A  ND  B  /( )  GRA  PIIICA  L 


ily  to  bear  the  name,  John  Hancock,  in  the  history  of 
the  Colony  of  Massachusetts  Bay.  The  first,  his  grand 
father,  was  Rev.  John  Hancock,  pastor  at  Lexington  for 
many  years.  He  was  often  called  Bishop  Hancock  be 
cause  of  his  wide  field  of  great  usefulness.  His  resi 
dence,  the  old  parsonage,  is  now  eagerly  visited  at 
Lexington  by  tourists,  who  seek  for  the  place  of  enter 
tainment  of  the  patriot  John  Hancock  on  the  eventful 
night  of  April  18, 
1775.  The  second 
generation  was  Rev. 
John  Hancock  of 
Braintree  (Ouincy) ; 
he  was  pastor  there 
from  1726  till  his 
death  in  1744.  He, 
as  pastor  and  parent, 
placed  the  outward 
seal  of  baptism  upon 
the  third  John  in 
January,  1737.  The 
same  hand  performed 
a  similar  act  on  the 
innocent  brow  of  John 
Adams.  By  the  early 

death  of  this  pastor,  a  widow  and  three  young  children 
became  objects  of  the  solicitude  of  their  friends. 

There  was  living  in  Boston  a  brother  of  the  deceased 
pastor,  Thomas  Hancock,  who  with  his  wife,  Lydia 
Henchman,  was  blessed  with  wealth  and  all  that  it  could 
procure  ;  but  no  little  feet  pattered  about  their  elegant 
mansion  on  Beacon  Hill,  and  they  early  opened  their 
hearts  and  home  to  the  boy  John.  This  lad  of  seven 


REV.    JOHN    HANCOCK,    GRANDFATHER 
OF  THE    PATRIOT. 


JOHN  JI AN  COCA',   JUS  BOOK 


years  was  kept  in  touch  with  his  mother,  his  brother 
Kbcnezer,  and  his  sister  Mary  ;  but  he  was  the  lad  who 
most  cheered  the  hearts  of  the  merchant  and  his  com 
panion,  who  was  the  daughter  of  a  like  noted  merchant 
of  the  town  of  Boston. 

Dressed  in  the  best  that  the  town  afforded  for  boys 
of  his  age,  John  Hancock  was  tenderly  guarded  by  his 

uncle  and  aunt.  He 
was  early  found  in 
the  Latin  School 
during  the  sessions, 
and  was  taken  in 
the  Hancock  chariot 
to  Lexington  for  the 
benefits  of  country 
air  during  the  vaca 
tions.  When  rest 
less  at  that  parson 
age  he  was  driven  to 
the  Bedford  parson 
age,  but  a  few  miles 
away,  where  he  was 
the  envied  of  his 
little  cousins,  who 
made  merry  the 

hours  of  his  visit.  This  attractive  boy  was  given  the 
best  that  the  parsonage  afforded,  and  was  allowed  to 
dip  his  quill  in  his  uncle's  "  inkstand  disk  "  while  dis 
playing  his  youthful  ability  in  penmanship. 

The  best  candlestick  was  used  in  his  honor,  and  all 
attention  given  the  boy,  as  a  representative  of  Thomas  l 

1  Thomas  Bowes,  nephew  and  namesake  of  Thomas  Hancock,  cousin 
of  John,  died  in  youth  at  Bedford. 


MRS.  JOHN    HANCOCK,   GRANDMOTHER 

OF   THE    PATRIOT. 
(Elizabeth,  daughter  of  Rev,  Thomas  and   Mary 

Clark  of  Chelmsford.) 


INTRODUCTORY  AND   BIOGRAPHICAL 


5 


INKSTAND    DISH. 


Hancock,  whose  wealth  and  influence  were  often  help 
fully  displayed  at   this   minister's    home  in  a  new  and 
struggling  settlement.      One  of  the  Bedford  minister's 
children   was   Lucy,    the   namesake   of   her   mother,  - 
Lucy,  daughter  of  Rev.  John 
Hancock  of  Lexington.    This      (f==  *• 
daughter    of  .Rev.    Nicholas 
Bowes    and     Lucy    Hancock 
was  often  found  taking  steps 
for  her  grandparents  at  Lex 
ington,  and  with  young  John 
from  Boston  romped  hand  in 
hand    over  the  hills  of    Lex 
ington,    peered   with    curious 
eyes  into  the   old    belfry,   or 
made    mud    pies    at   its  rude 
base.      Yes,  my  reader,  John 

Hancock  was  a  boy,  and  had  wants  like  other  boys 
of  his  time.  No  one  can  doubt  that  they  were  all  sup 
plied  ;  perhaps  if  oftener  denied  he  would  have  been 
the  gainer.  School  text-books  were  scarce  and  dear, 
but  John  Hancock  never  "  looked  over  " 
with  his  companions.  The  Henchman 
house  imported  and  dealt  in  all  kinds  of 
books  and  stationery,  and  John's  uncle 
Thomas  had  an  account  with  his  father- 
in-law.  In  the  Henchman  day-book  is 
found,  with  charges  to  Thomas  Han 
cock,  "  I  book  to  John,  5^.  4^.  ;  I 
Hammond's  algebra  to  John,  9^.  7</." 

John    Hancock,   well    fitted,    entered 
Harvard    College,    and    was    graduated 
from  that  institution  in  1754.      His  tall,  graceful  figure, 


N.   BOWES,  1721. 

(In  possession  of 

A.  E.  Brown.) 


6  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

elegant  dress,  courteous  manner,  and  prospective  for 
tune  made  him  the  envied  of  the  best  circles  of  the 
seaport,  but  this  did  not  turn  his  well-poised  head, 
and  he  entered  his  uncle's  business  house  in  the  po 
sition  of  clerk.  Manifesting  a  deep  interest  in  the 
business,  he  was  intrusted  with  its  affairs,  and  in  1760 
was  sent  abroad  to  represent  the  house  in  London.  He 
took  the  trip  under  the  patronage  of  Mr.  Thomas 
Pownall,  who  had  been  governor  of  the  province,  and, 
as  a  friend  of  Thomas  Hancock,  had  been  a  frequent 
guest  at  his  home,  and  manifested  much  interest  in  the 
young  man  of  the  household.  John  Hancock's  visit 
chanced  to  be  at  the  time  of  the  death  of  George  II. 
and  of  the  coronation  of  George  III.,  pageants  not  un 
congenial  to  the  taste  of  the  young  man.  It  is  recorded 
that  the  Boston  merchant  was  later  presented  to  the 
new  king  as  a  representative  of  one  of  his  Majesty's 
colonies  in  America,  and  that  King  George  presented 
the  young  man  with  a  gold  snuff-box.  I  shall  not  vouch 
for  the  truth  of  this  statement  ;  but  custom  made  such 
articles  of  daily  use  in  the  ordinary  exchange  of  cour 
tesy.  If  the  king,  in  the  exuberance  of  his  exalted 
position,  did  lavish  this  token  upon  his  young  American 
subject,  he  had  occasion  to  regret  it  in  later  years;  and 
doubtless  John  Hancock  failed  to  pass  it  about  with 
pride  among  his  business  or  social  friends,  for  "  rich 
gifts  wax  poor  when  givers  prove  unkind." 

The  following  letter,  "billet,"  is  in  the  possession 
of  Mrs.  William  Wales  of  Dorchester,  a  grandniece  of 
Mrs.  Dorothy  Hancock.  It  is  without  date,  but  must 
have  preceded  the  death  of  the  grandmother,  which 
occurred  in  February,  1760,  and  is  the  earliest  known 
to  exist  : 


INTRODUCTORY  A\D   BIOGRAPHICAL  J 

DEAR  AUNT:  My  Father  I  accompany  this  afternoon  to  Lexing 
ton  in  a  chaise,  if  you  have  any  Commands  there,  shall  be  happy 
in  the  execution  of  them.  My  Grandmama  will  be  happy  to  receive 
a  Word  or  two  from  you  as  will  your  Nephew  in  committing  to 
Memory  what  shall  proceed  from  an  amiable  &  beloved  aunt,  and 
as  the  original  will  not  be  present  the  proxy  must  answer  as  a  feeble 
representative.  Respectfully 

J.  HANCOCK. 

Saturday,  12  o'clock  A.M. 


Superscribed1''  Madam  Hancock.1' 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    II 

THE  FAMOUS  AUTOGRAPH.  HANCOCK  WHARF.  JOHN  WEN 
DELL  A  FELLOW-MERCHANT.  THE  BOWES  FAMILY  AT 
BEDFORD  AND  BOSTON. 

ON   the  fly-leaf  of   his   letter-book  is  read  the  well- 
known  autograph. 


It  lacks  some  of  the  steadiness  and  regularity  of  curve 
of  that  on  the  Declaration  of  Independence.  Yet  this 
and  others  in  the  letter-book  are  more  nearly  like  the 
average  signature  of  the  business  man.  The  above  is 
in  the  possessive  case  ;  and  the  volume  is  in  the  main 
the  record  of  the  business  transactions  of  John  Han 
cock,  although  the  early  entries  are  those  of  Thomas 
Hancock.  They  introduce  the  reader  to  the  business 
house  when  John  Hancock  was  one  of  a  large  number 
of  young  men  who  did  the  clerical  work  of  this  famous 
house. 

Hancock  was  a  general  importer,  but  his  exports  were 
necessarily  confined  to  the  products  of  the  whale  fish 
eries.  The  wholesale  department  of  the  business  was 
conducted  at  the  warehouses  on  Hancock's  wharf,  which 
formerly  opened  into  Fish,  now  North  Street.  Lewis 


HANCOCK   WlfARF  9 

Wharf  represents  it  in  part.  Hancock  was  the  owner 
of,  or  had  a  large  interest  in,  several  retail  stores  ;  and 
the  variety  of  goods  on  sale  placed  him  at  the  head  of 
the  business  interests  of  the  Province. 

We  are  at  first  introduced,  under  date  of  Oct.  14, 
1762,  to  Matthew  Woodford,  Esq.,  apparently  an  agent 
with  whom  Thomas  Hancock  has  treated  in  regard  to 
supplies  furnished  a  garrison  stationed  at  Annapolis 
and  Chignecto,  Nova  Scotia.  John  Wendell  is  asso 
ciated  with  him.  Wendell  was  another  Boston  mer 
chant  of  the  time.  He  was  a  neighbor  of  Thomas 
Hancock,  living  on  the  corner  of  Court  and  Tremont 
Streets  (says  Drake). 

On  Oct.  17,  1762,  we  have  a  glimpse  into  the  Han 
cock  mansion  on  Beacon  Hill,  where  the  young  man, 
John  Hancock,  just  home  from  his  sojourn  abroad,  is  a 
most  important  member  of  his  uncle's  family. 

DKAR  SIR  :  At  my  Return  from  Church,  I  found  on  the  Table  the 
Revd  Mr.  Dodd's  Excellent  Sermon,  preacird  at  the  Anniversary 
Meeting  of  the  Governor's  of  the  Magdalen  Charity,  in  March  last, 
which  my  Nephew  had  Just  Received.  I  Read  it  with  great  Pleas 
ure,  which  Reminded  me  of  a  former  Resolution  of  throwing  in  my 
mite  to  that  noble  charity,  which  thro'  Hurry  of  Business  I  had 
omitted  and  lest  I  should  forget  it  again,  I  take  my  Pen,  and  Desire 
you  will  please  to  pay  out  of  the  first  money  you  may  Receive  from 
me,  Seventy  Guineas,  my  subscription  to  the  Magdalen  Charity  £ 
charge  to  my  Account. 

I  am  with  much  Respect, 

Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  Obedt  Humble  Serv<- 
To  JONA-  BARNARD,  ESQR- 

one  of  the  Govrs  of  Magdalen  Charity. 

This  was  but  one  of  many  of  the  acts  of  benevolence 
recorded  to  the  honor  of  Thomas  Hancock,  whose  noble 


10  JOHN  MANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

example  was  well    followed    in    this   particular  by  his 
nephew. 

The  next  group  of  letters  affords  some  intimation  of 
the  commercial  relations  of  Boston  merchants  during 
the  last  French  war,  and  of  the  difficulty  in  adjusting 
accounts. 

BOSTON,  Novemr  5^  1762. 

GENTN  :  I  Reed  your  favour  of  July  31*1,  observe  Mr.  Atkins's 
Bill  on  Trafford  £  Elms  is  Refused  &  Noted ;  however  am  of 
Opinion  it  will  be  paid,  as  Newfoundland  is  happily  fallen  again 
into  our  Hands.  As  I  have  no  Power  of  Attorney  from  Kilby, 
Barnard  &  Parker,  to  whom  Mr.  Laughton  was  Indebted,  so  could 
have  no  Demand  in  Law,  therefore  have  Deliver'd  that  acco"  to 
Mr.  Parker,  your  Partner,  my  Power  is  from  Kilby  &  Barnard 
only. 

In  Regard  to  Sewall  &  Lewis,  I  have  good  Security,  but  as  I 
wrote,  they  can't  pay  yet,  &  it  would  not  be  prudent  to  sue,  as  it 
must  break  them  up  as  things  are  at  present. 

The  Tea  is  Arrived.  I  hope  to  hear  from  you  soon  and  am 
Gentn,  Your  most  Obed't  Humble  Servt- 

P.S.  Inclosed  is  a  Certificate  from  the  Custom  House  of  landing 
the  Tea,  by  Loring. 

MESSRS-  JONA  BARNARD  &  Co. 

BOSTON,  A'cvet/ir  3oth,  j  762. 

GENTN  :  I  herewith  Inclose  Invoice  for  sundry  Goods,  which  I 
Desire  you  to  Ship  on  my  Acco"  by  the  first  good  Opportunity,  in 
the  Spring  &  Insure  them.  You  will  take  particular  Care,  that  the 
Goods  are  well  Chosen,  Pack'd  &  Charg'd  at  the  lowest  Prizes. 

Inclosed  you  have  also  William  Thomas's  Bills  on  Mr.  William 
Bivall  Dartmouth  ^175,  £  Thomas  Williams's  Bills  on  John  Hum- 
frey,  Esqr.  for  ^20.     When  paid  Credit  my  account. 
I  am  with  Great  Esteem 

Gent", 
Your  most  Obed't  Humble  Servt- 

P.S.  Hope  soon  to  hear  the  Fate  of  my  Bill  Transmitted  by  the 
Mast  Fleet. 

Capt.  Atkins's  Bill  for  .£688  6s  6d  sterl'g,  notwithstanding,  I 
wrote  to  send  it  back  protested,  if  this  Comes  in  Time  protest  it, 


£  3 

£  - 

Q  » 

UJ  S 

CD  I 

-  CO 


z    £ 
:>  * 

§      o 


BOSTON  MERCHANTS  I  I 

take  10  p.  ct.  Damages  &  Interest  till  paid.     I  hear,  &  there  will 
be  no  Doubt  of  its  being  paid,  if  not  done  already. 

JONA.  BARNARD  £  Co. 

BOSTON,  Dccemr  2&,  1762. 

GENTN  :  Since  the  foregoing  I  Reed  Via  Halifax  your  favour 
of  3ist  Augst  with  the  Papers,  referring  to  Mr.  Cummings  which  I 
shall  see  Executed,  as  soon  as  may  be.  I  Desire  you  to  protest  his 
Bill  &  keep  it,  that  I  may  Draw  the  Interest  &  10  pr.  ct.  Damages. 
The  Papers  shall  be  forwarded  you,  as  soon  as  Authenticated. 

Capt.  Robert  Stockton,  in  the  Ship  Hopewell,  is  a  Transport 
still  in  the  Service,  and  if  the  Bill  be  not  paid,  protest  it,  &  beg  you 
will  apply  to  the  Navy  Board,  &  stop  the  money,  as  I  don't  ever 
Expect  to  see  him  again,  and  I  know  there  is  or  was,  when  here  a 
large  sum  due  for  him  of  sd  ship.  I  thank  your  honouring  Sword  & 
Bell's  Bill  with  Hill  &  Lamars,  for  the  Wine.  Hope  there  will  be 
no  Peace  till  the  Parliament  Setts. 

I  am  Gent", 

Your  most  Ooedt  Humble  Serv*- 

P.S.  I  sent  you  all  the  Pott  ash  I  had  made.  If  it  will  answer, 
I  shall  go  into  the  manufacture. 

JONA-  BARNARD  &  Co. 

BOSTON,  Decemr  2^,  1762. 

SIR:  Capt.  John  Campbell,  whose  Note  of  Hand  for  ^100 
Sterling,  I  find  among  the  Late  General  Whitmore's  Papers,  Copy 
of  which  I  here  Inclose  you,  is  Gone  from  Newfoundland  to  Eng 
land  ;  he  is  of  the  22^  Regiment. 

I  give  you  this  Notice,  in  Order  that  you  may  make  a  Demand 
of  the  Money  in  Case  he  may  be  met  with  there,  and  if  you  are  paid 
by  him,  You  will  acquaint  me  thereof,  that  the  original  note  may  be 
deliverM,  to  his  order.  I  am  afraid  to  send  it  now  lest  it  should 
miscarry  in  War  Time.  I  hope  the  ^1000  I  remitted  by  the  Mast 
Fleet  is  RecM  &  Paid.  The  Articles  of  Furniture  I  Rec'd  from 
Louisburg,  are  not  yet  sold,  but  shall  take  the  first  good  opportu 
nity  to  Dispose  of  them,  they  are  old  £  little  worth,  and  should 
there  be  a  man  of  War  or  Peace  soon,  I  will  send  your  Papers  & 
money  for  Ballance,  if  I  cannot  Procure  Bills  of  Exchange,  which  are 
very  scarce  at  present  &  not  to  be  had. 

I  am  Sir 

Your  most  Obedt  Humble  Serv*- 

CAPT.  EDWARD  WHITMORE. 


12  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

BOSTON  2d  Decemr  1762. 

GENT*  :    Since  I  put  my  Letters  into  this  Ships   Bag,  I   have 
Drawn  the  Inclosed  Bill.     Say,  Wendell  &  Hancock  on  William 
Beth  Esq.  in  Amsterdam  value  ^110,  sterg.     When  paid  Credit  my 
acco"-  therefore;  please  to  forward  the  Inclos'd  Letter  to  him. 
I  am  with  Respect,  Gent11 

Your  most  Obed*  Servt- 
To  MESSRS.  JONA.  BARNARD  £  Co. 


HANCOCK   MANSION,  BOSTON. 


BOSTON,  Decemr  2^  1762. 

SIR  :  We  have  wrote  you  severall  Letters  in  the  Course  of  the 
Summer,  some  of  which  we  are  certain  arriv'd  safe.  We  then  In- 
clos'd  you  all  the  necessary  Papers  &c.,  relative  to  the  ship  William 
Galley,  and  are  not  a  little  surprised  that  we  have  not  heard  from 
you,  owning  the  Receipt  of  Wendell's  affidavit  etc.,  but  hope  we 
shall  soon.  We  have  Taken  all  proper  measures  for  your  Interest, 
in  consequence  of  which  several  necessary  charges  have  arisen,  in 
part  of  which  we  have  this  Day  drawn  a  Sett  of  Bills  on  you,  in 
favour  of  Messrs.  Jon*-  Barnard  &  Co.,  Merchants  in  London  for 


77/E   BOl\'l<:S  FAMILY  13 

;£io,  Sterling,  which  you  will  please  to  honour.     Accontt  of  which 
shall  be  Transmitted  you  hereafter. 

We  are  Sir, 
Your  most  Humble  Servts» 

JOHN  WENDELL. 
THOMAS  HANCOCK. 
To  WILLIAM  BETH  ESQ.  in  Amsterdam. 

BOSTON,  Decemr  28^  1762 

GENT*  :  I  have  not  yet  Rec'd  the  Goods  I  wrote  you  for,  hope 
they  will  soon  arrive.  This  is  chiefly  to  cover  you  the  In- 
clos'd  Letter  from  Mr. ,  Will111  Bowes,1  who  is  a  Nephew  of  mine 
&  who  has  some  time  Dealt  in  hardware  &  inclined  to  corre 
spond  with  your  house.  He  now  writes  you  for  some  Goods. 
You  are  safe  in  Dealing  with  him,  &  I  am  to  Desire  you  will 
supply  him  &  for  what  he  now  writes  I  will  see  you  paid. 

1  am  Gent" 
Your  most  Obed1  Humble  Serv* 

MESSRS.  DEVONSHIRE  &  REEVES. 

1  William  Bowes  above  mentioned  was  the  eldest  son  of  Rev.  Nicholas 
Bowes  and  his  wife,  Lucy  Hancock,  of  Bedford.  He  was  bom  Dec.  3, 
1734,  and  baptized  four  clays  later  by  his  grandfather,  Rev.  John  Hancock 
of  Lexington.  Rev.  Nicholas  Bowes  died  as  chaplain  in  the  Northern 
army  in  1755.  William,  with  other  children,  sold  the  estate  at  Bedford. 
He  had  been  taken,  under  his  uncle's  superintendence,  into  the  business 
circles  of  Boston.  His  mother,  Lucy  Hancock  Bowes,  was  married  to 
Rev.  Samuel  Cook  of  Cambridge. 


JOHN  HA  A 'COCA',   IIIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    III 


JOHN  HANCOCK  ENTERS  THE  FIRM.  GARRISON  SUPPLIES. 
DEATH  OF  JOHN  WENDELL.  SIR  PETER  AND  LADY  WAR 
REN.  TORY  ROW. 

IN  the  following  letters  we  have  the  first  announce 
ment  of  the  co-partnership  of  Thomas  and  John  Han 
cock. 


BOSTON,  January  ist,  1763. 

GENTN  :  I  am  to  acquaint  you,  that  I  have  at  last  Got  my  affairs 
into  such  a  Scituation,  as  that  I  have  this  Day  Taken  my  Nephew 
Mr.  John  Hancock,  into  Partnership  with  me,  having  had  long  Ex- 


JOHN  HANCOCK  ENTERS    THE   FIRM  15 

perience  of  his  Uprightness,  &  great  Abilities  for  Business,  as  that 
1  can  heartily  Recommend  him  to  Your  Friendship  &  Correspon 
dence,  which  wish  may  be  long  &  happy.  You  will  therefore  Cause 
my  private  Acco"  to  be  Settled  &  the  Ballance  that  may  happen 
on  either  Side  Carried  to  the  Company  Acco"  and  what  Goods  1 
have  wrote  for,  be  Charged  to  Thomas  Hancock  &  Company, 
mark'd  T.  I.  &  H.  &  Consigned  to  Thomas  Hancock  &  Compa 

You  will  please  to  protest  the  Bill  of  Cumming's  &  keep  it,  that 
we  may  Draw  the  Interest,  &  Damages,  the  proper  Papers  will  be 
forwarded  soon. 

I  wish  You  the  Compliments  of  the  Season,  &  am  with  much 
Respect,  Gent", 

Your  most  Obed't  Serv't. 

To  MKSSKS.  JON*.  BARNARD  &  Co. 

On  Jan.  7  the  Hancocks  address  Matthew  Woodford, 
Esq.  :  — 

Mr.  Winslow  writes  me  the  Provisions  shipt  to  Chignecto  ar 
rived  safe  there,  and  is  what  will  last  him  till  mid  summer  &  that 
the  Bread  from  Annapolis  proves  much  better  than  Expected,  that 
with  the  Help  of  the  French,  will  find  no  difficulty  in  Issuing  it.  I 
am  very  glad  to  hear  this.  I  hope  also  it  will  Turn  out  better  at 
Annapolis  than  Mr.  Williams  Expected,  he  writes  me  he  has  fifty 
French  come  in  to  Winter  &  Desires  more  Pork  &  other  species  £ 
some  fresh  Bread,  for  the  officers,  which  I  propose  to  Send  as  soon 
as  the  Season  will  permit,  and  as  I  am  Considerably  in  advance  for 
you,  shall  soon  send  you  the  acco"  thereof,  as  also  the  Charge,  of 
Agency  from  Mr.  Steel's  Death,  to  Mr.  Williams'  Taking  Posses 
sion  of  the  Stores.  Mr.  Miles  Greenwood,  by  the  Officer's  Orders, 
Issued  the  Provisions  from  22^  April  to  16^  May,  Charged  ^6.5^', 
when  Mr.  Dyson,  by  M^  Gerrish's  order,  Took  Charge  of  the  Pro 
visions  &  he  Charges  Agency,  from  i6th  May  to  6th  ]u\y,  following. 
Both  these  Acco's,  I  have  Engaged  at  last  to  pay,  for  Steel's  Sal 
ary  can  be  paid  no  longer,  by  the  Crown  than  to  the  Day  of  his 
Death;  and  when  there  was  no  Commissary,  you  are  by  Contract 
to  find  one.  1  have  paid  Mr.  Gerrish  also  his  Agency  ^91,  to  6t>» 
November,  Halifax  Currency  and  Mr.  Winslow's  Acco"  I  expect 
every  moment  to  be  the  same  Time. 

I  am  Sir,  Your  most  obed{  Humble  Serv1 

MATTHEW  WOODFORD  ESQK 


i6 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   JUS  HOOK 


The  garrisons  being  supplied  by  the  Hancock  firm 
were  on  the  Bay  of  Funcly  ;  Annapolis  being  on  the 
western  coast  of  Nova  Scotia,  and  Chignecto  was  at  the 

isthmus  between  the 
bay  and  Northumber 
land  Strait.  T  h  e 
business  seems  not 
to  run  very  smoothly, 
as  may  be  inferred 
from  a  letter  to  Mat 
thew  Woodford  on 
Feb.  10,  1763  i1  — 


I  have  just  Rec'd  Your 
favour,  of  8»'>  Novr  last, 
&  Duplicate  of  7th  Sept. 
by  the  Parquet,  and  Ob 
serve  their  Contents,  & 
Remarks  you  have  made, 
on  the  State  of  Provis 
ions,  &  Cash  Accotts  £c. 
I  shall  take  the  matters 
under  consideration,  Send 

Abstracts  from  your  Letter  to  Mr.  Gerrish,  and  do  everything  in  my 
Power  to  Secure  your  Interest,  but  the  strange  Confusion  the  Pro 
visions  were  in,  £  Deaths  of  Commissarys,  one  after  another,  made 
things  so  Intricate  that  I  much  fear,  whether  ever  things  can  be  made 
Clearer,  than  what  I  have  done,  and  you  must  settle  with  the  Gov 
ernment,  in  best  manner  you  can,  with  what  I  have  sent  you,  the 
often  change  also  of  Commanding  Officers  at  Annapolis,  &  Chig 
necto  &  many  dead  since.  Two  killed  at  Newfoundland  makes 
things  worse  &  more  difficult  than  otherwise  would  have  been,  as 
for  Deschamps  we  can  have  no  Redress.  I  Drove  that  matter,  as 
far  as  it  would  bear.  We  have  a  very  hard  Winter  &  no  Commu- 

1  Rev.  Edward  G.  Porter,  in  a  recent  examination  of  the  files  of  papers 
at  the  Province  House,  Halifax,  N.S.,  found  abundant  evidence  of  the  busi 
ness  relations  between  Thomas  Hancock  and  the  government.  He  fur 
nished  vessels  and  food  supplies. 


THOMAS    HANCOCK 
(By    Blackburn.) 


JOHN  HANCOCK  ENTERS    THE   FIRM 


nication  at  present,  with  Annapolis  or  Chignecto,  all  froze  up  &  no 
Navigation  can  Stir  to  or  from  thence. 

I  thank  You  for  paying  my  Bill.  I  am  now  Considerably  in  Ad 
vance  for  I  sent  Provisions  to  Annapolis  &c.  as  you  will  have  seen 
by  Letters  I  have  wrote  you  the  months  past,  &  more  I  must  Pur 
chase  soon,  but  hope  the  Peace  will  make  them  more  Plenty  & 
Cheaper;  I  congratulate  You  upon  it,  and  think  it  a  good  Peace. 

I  have  taken  my  Nephew,  Mr.  John  Hancock  into  Partnership 
with  me,  and  you  will  please  in  future  to  Direct  to  Thomas  Han 
cock  Esqr.  £  Company. 

We  are  Sir, 

Your  most  Obedt  Humble  Servts. 

MATTHEW  WOODFORD  Kso/- 

On  Feb.  22  they  write  to  Messrs.  Jonathan  Barnard 
&    Co.    for   the   fol 
lowing  :  — 


2  prs.  sup.  fine  Black 
Broad  Cloth  7-41*.  d. 
2  prs.  good  Black.  © 

'5- 

i  prs.  sup.  fine  Black 
Shalloon. 

i  prs.  sup.  fine  Blue 
Broad  Cloth  7~4rs.  d., 
deep  Mazarene  Blue. 

The  "Peace" 
which  Mr.  Hancock 
refers  to  was  that  of 
Feb.  10,  1763,  which 
ended  the  colonial 
possession  of  France 


MRS.   THOMAS    HANCOCK. 
(Lydia   Henchman.      By   Blackburn.) 


in  North  America. 

John  Hancock  became  a  partner  of  the  firm  at  a  time 
when  his  uncle  was  ill,  and  the  young  man  was  burdened 
with  great  responsibilities.  We  learn  from  the  follow 
ing  letters  that  Thomas  Hancock  was  a  sufferer  from 


1 8  JOJ1X  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

the  same  disease  that  made  life  a  burden  to  his  nephew 
when  engrossed  with  the  cares  of  an  extensive  business 
as  well  as  the  responsibilities  of  an  experimental  gov 
ernment. 

BOSTON,  March  i8th,  1763. 

SIR  :  This  serves  to  acquaint  you  of  the  Death  of  John  Wen 
dell,  Esqr  your  attorney  in  the  affairs  of  the  Ship,  William  Gal 
ley.  Our  last  Letters  Acquainted  you  the  Particulars  of  that  affair, 
and  I  am  very  Sorry  to  find  that  there  is  no  Prospect  of  having  Jus 
tice  done  to  the  Concerned  in  this  Country. 

I  must  Desire  that  you  will  be  pleased  to  Impower  some  other 
Gentleman  to  Receive  the  Papers  £  Settle  the  Acco"  of  Expences, 
which  we  have  been  at,  and  to  Carry  on  the  Suit.  I  am  Sorry  to 
Say,  that  my  Health  will  not  permit  me  to  Attend  that  Business, 
having  been  Confined  these  three  months  with  the  Gout,  &  don't 
Expect  to  be  able  to  attend  to  very  little  Business  again,  if  any. 
I  am  Sir, 

Your  most  Obed1  £  most  Hum  We  Servt- 

WILLIAM  BETH  ESQR. 

Via  New  York.     By  Davis  to  Amsterdam. 

On  the  same  date  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock  writes  the 
following  to  Lady  Warren  :  — 

MADAM  :  The  Letters  you  sent  me  in  Your  Last  to  the  Gentle 
man,  Indebted  to  the  Estate  of  Sir  Peter  Warren,  were  Delivered, 
and  I  am  Sorry  to  Say  have  had  no  manner  of  Effect.  I  have  been 
constantly  applying,  and  have  not  Rec'd  a  Farthing  from  either  of 
them  since,  and  I  am  to  Desire  Your  Ladyship  to  Send  proper 
Powers  of  Attorney  to  some  Gent"  here  to  take  upon  them  the  Trust 
of  Collecting  in  the  Remainder  of  the  Debts  due  to  said  Estate,  that 
my  Health  will  not  permit  me  to  go  through  that  Business. 

I  have  now  been  Confined  above  three  months  to  my  House, 
«with  a  Nervous  Disorder  &  the  Gout,  that  I  am  not  able  to  Give 
that  Attention  to  Your  affairs,  which  they  absolutely  Require.  I 
beg  therefore  that  Powers  may  be  Sent  over  immediately  to  Receive 
of  me  the  Books  &  Mortgages  which  remain  unpaid,  and  settle  with 
me  for  the  Money  I  have  Rec'd  &  Remitted  You  ;  in  the  mean  time, 
I  shall  be  doing  everything  in  my  Power  to  Secure  your  Interest. 


S/A1   PETER   AND   LADY    WARREN  19 

Mrs.  Hancock  joins  me  in  our  Respectfull  Complim'ts  to  Your 
Ladyship,  and  I  am  Madam 

Your  Most  Obedt  Humble  Servt. 

P.S.  I  have  Rec'd.  no  answer  to  my  Letters,  respecting  the 
Demand  made  on  me,  for  Sir  Peter's  Subscription  to  the  Church  at 
Cambridge,  with  a  Letter  from  Mr.  Inman. 

LADY  WARREN. 

The  above  postscript  has  reference  to  Christ  Church, 
the  first  rector  of  which  was  Rev.  East  Apthorp,  who 


APTHORP   HOUSE,  CAMBRIDGE. 


left  the  parish  and  the  Province  because  society  was  not 
congenial  to  him.  Among  his  associates  and  workers  in 
this  church  were  the  families  of  Vassal!,  Inman,  Oliver, 
Phips,  Lechmere,  Brattle,  and  such  as  lived  in  Brattle 
Street,  Cambridge,  at  one  time  known  as  "Tory  Row." 
By  these  letters  we  are  impressed  with  the  disadvan 
tages  under  which  merchants  and  mechanics  conducted 
their  business.  The  only  means  of  conveyance  and 


20  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

communication  with  foreign  countries  were  the  clumsy 
sailing-vessel  of  the  time ;  and  several  months  were  re 
quired  to  get  an  order  filled  in  England  for  a  few  casks 
of  common  nails  or  a  few  domestic  supplies,  such  as  are 
ordered  for  Mrs.  Hancock  in  March,  1763,  viz.,  "One 
dozen  bottles  of  very  best  double  distilled  lavender 
water;"  or  for  the  house  in  June,  viz.,  "Seventy-six 
casks  of  nails.  Let  them  be  made  of  good  stuff  and 
drawn  and  full  size,  the  cask  of  the  same  make  with 
the  London  cask,  not  flat  hoops." 


FAMILY  SUPPLIES  21 


CHAPTER    IV 

FAMILY  SUPPLIES.  THE  BOSTON  PACKET.  JAMES  SCOTT  FIRST 
APPEARS.  SHIP  COAL  FROM  NEWCASTLE.  SETTLING  GEN 
ERAL  WHITMORE'S  ESTATE.  THOMAS  HANCOCK  FAILS  IN 

HEALTH.        GARRISON     SUPPLIES.        PROVINCE    TREASURY    AS 
A    BANK. 

ON  March  20,  1763,  the  Hancocks  send  an  order  to 
London  for  family  supplies,  and  give  some  positive  busi 
ness  directions:  — 

We  wish  the  fav  You  will  send  one  do/..  Bottles  of  very  best 
double  distilled  Lavender  water,  for  Mrs.  Hancock,  £  please  to  let 
it  be  well  Cork'd  £  Tied  over  with  Bladder,  £  charge  our  acco«- 
The  Bottles  our  J.  H.  Brought,  were  so  badly  Cork'd  that  they  were 
useless,  those  were  put  up  by  Miss  Crowes  ;  please  to  let  them  be 
carefull. 

You  will  please  to  Protest  the  Bill  on  Beth  £  keep  it  by  you  as 
we  shall  forward  the  accott  by  next  oppory,  when  I  Expect  he  pays 
the  Bill,  or  will  put  it  into  Chauncery,  not  so  much  for  the  Value  of 
the  Money,  as  for  the  Insult  in  Refusing  payment.  We  look  upon 
it  very  ill  usage,  &  beg  you  will  please  to  Signify  so  much  to  him 
by  a  Letter.  After  the  money  was  Expended,  in  his  Service  &  every 
method  us'd  for  his  Interest,  he  should  refuse  to  pay  the  Necessary 
Expences,  because  it  faiPd  of  the  Success  he  Desir'd.  Have  wrote 
him  to  appoint  some  other  persons. 

MESSRS.  JONA.  BARNARD  &  Co. 

The  firm  address  Matthew  Woodford,  Esq.,  in  regard 
to  provisions  for  garrisons  under  date  of  May  6,  1 763  :  — 

We  have  already  wrote  you  by  this  Conveyance  whence  you 
had  Lists  to  20^  March.  We  have  already  furnished  Provisions  to 


22  JOHN  HANCOCK,    I  I  IS  BOOK 

the  Different  Posts  for  your  500  men,  in  part,  and  are  now  Sending 
more  to  last  up  to  25111  Dec.  next,  and  as  this  is  the  time  of  year  to 
lay  in  Provisions,  we  are  Purchasing  every  thing  at  the  Cheapest 
Rates,  and  you  may  Rely  every  step  shall  be  Taken  to  Advance  y'r 
Interest.  As  soon  as  the  whole  supplies  are  gone,  we  shall  Trans 
mit  you  the  acco"  of  our  Advances,  now  Considerably  in  Advance. 
We  have  Drawn  on  You  by  this  oppor'y  for  ^1000,  sterPg  in  favr 
of  Jona  Barnard  &  Co.  in  part,  which  you  will  please  to  honour. 
We  shall  shortly  Transmit,  a  particular  acco">  &  then  Draw  for  the 
Remaining  Ballance. 

We  Congratulate  you  on  the  Conclusion  of  a  Peace,  &  hope  we 
shall  soon  be  able  to  take  your  Contract  on  a  footing  that  will  be 
satisfactory  on  all  sides,  be  assured  no  one  shall  more  Consult  your 
Interest  in  all  Respects  &  better  carry  on  your  Contract  than  — 

Sir,  Your  most  Obed*  Serves- 
To  MATTHEW  WOODFORD,  ESQR. 


i  III  II  Ml  I 


LONGFELLOW    HOUSE. 
(One  of  the  Houses  of  Tory  Row.     Built  about  1759,   by  Colonel  John  Vassall.) 

In  a  letter  to  their  London  agents,  the  Hancock  firm 
write  under  date  of  May  6,  1763  :  — 


TIIK   ROSTOV  PACKET  2$ 

We  duly  note  what  Mr.  G.  II.  mentions  Respecting  our  Con 
cerns  with  You  in  a  Yessell  solely  for  the  London  Trade,  which 
think  will  answer,  &  as  soon  as  can  see  Mr.  Folger,  shall  Deter 
mine;  &  if  agreeable,  shall  then  set  up  one  that  will  be  most  suit 
able  ;  of  which  more  in  our  next. 

We  shall  by  next  oppor'y  Transmit  our  whole  acco"  to  Mr. 
Woodford  &  Remit  you  a  Bill  on  him. 

We  are  with  Esteem  Gent11 

Your  most  Obed1  Servts. 

On  the  following  date  they  write  :  — 

We  Desire  you  will  please  to  ship  us  by  very  first  oppor'y  Fif 
teen  or  Twenty  Tons  of  best  Petersburgh  Brack  Hemp.  This  we 
want  for  whale  Warps  &  must  be  of  the  very  best  quality.  The 
last  you  sent  was  good,  &  desire  you  will  keep  up  to  the  like  good 
ness,  which  charge  to  our  accolt- 

We  are  in  great  haste 

Gent" 

Your  most  Obedt  Servts- 
MESSRS.  JONA-  BARNARD  &  Co. 

Under  date  of  June  7,  there  is  another  letter  in  re 
gard  to  building  the  vessel  already  mentioned  :  - 

We  have  Consulted  with  Capt.  Folger  in  Regard  to  his  Con 
cerns  with  you  &  us  in  a  Vessel  which  we  agree  to,  and  have  accord 
ingly  set  at  a  vessel  to  be  Built  in  Boston  by  Hunt,  a  very  good 
Builder.  To  be  a  ship  of  160  Tons  £  think  to  call  her  the  Boston 
Packett,  to  be  Launched  by  the  middle  of  September,  every  thing  to 
be  Done,  in  the  best  manner.  Shall  aim  to  have  her  a  prime  going 
Ship,  handsome  £  to  Carry  well,  plain  but  neat  &  for  the  London 
Trade,  to  Hold  in  Thirds,  or  other  ways,  if  Folger  does  not  Chose 
so  large  a  Concern.  We  think  Capt.  Folger  will  take  the  Com 
mand  of  her,  at  least  for  two  or  three  voyages  &  we  need  not  tell 
You  he  is  a  suitable  man. 

Inclosed  is  a  pattern  of  Scarlet  Bays  or  Whitney,  which  we  De 
sire  you  will  send  a  piece  of,  to  be  very  best. 

Please  to  acquaint  Mr.  Lepley  we  Rec\l  his  letters  &  Powers  & 
have  Rec'd  the  papers  of  Mr.  Royall  &  shall  do  all  in  our  power  for 
his  Interest,  &  will  write  him  by  next  oppor'y. 


24  JOHN  HAXCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

We  hope  soon  to  hear  from  You  &  having  not  to  add,  we  remain 
with  Esteem  Gent"  Your  most  obedt  Humble  Servts- 

Should  the  Devonshire,  Capt,  Hunter  not  be  arriv'd  when  this 
comes  to  hand,  we  desire  You  will  make  Insurance  to  the  full  on 
Ten  hogs  pott  ash  we  ship  You  by  him. 

BOSTON,  June  14,  1763. 

GENT*  :  We  have  none  of  Your  fav*  unanswered.  The  Glass 
not  yet  Arriv'd.  This  is  the  Desire  you  will  by  first  opp'y,  Ship 
us  the  few  things  mentioned  at  Bottom  hereof  — &  beg  your  care 
that  the  nails  be  well  Drawn,  the  last  you  sent  were  extreme  Bad, 
that  we  met  with  Difficulty  in  the  sale  of  them,  for  their  amo  we 
shall  order  you  payment  in  Time. 

We  are  with  Esteem  — 

Gent"  Your  most  obed.  serves. 
Please  to  Send 
10  ps.  Red  narrow  Bristol  Bays 

5  "    Blue  Do 

20  pr.  German  Serge,  half  Blue  not  dy'd  in  the  cloth  &  half  good 
cloth  coll's 

30  cask  iod  Nails'^ 

20    Do     S<l    Do  Let  them  be  made  of  Good  stuff  well 

6  Do     6d    Do    -     Drawn  &  full  size,  the  Cask  of  the  same 
10    Do.    4d    Do.        make  with  the  London  Cask,  not  flat  Hoops. 
10    Do.  20^    Do.J 

MESSRS.  DEVONSHIRE  £  REEVE. 

On  the  same  date,  to  London  agents,  they  write  :  - 

We  are  using  all  Expedition  in  Building  the  Ship,  as  many  hands 
as  can  work  on  her  are  Employ'd  &  shall  be  carefull  to  have  her  well 
finished  —  We  think  we  shall  soon  ship  some  oil  in  thirds  with  You 
&  Folger.  Folger  Returns  home  this  day  &  if  the  Price  breaks  as 
he  Expects  he  will  then  make  a  purchase  — 
\Ve  shall  soon  write  you  again. 

We  Remain  with  Esteem 

Your  most  hble  servts- 

Under  date  of  June  27,  1763,  the  Hancock  firm  men 
tions,  for  the  first  time,  the  man,  James  Scott,  who  plays 
a  most  prominent  part  in  the  business  and  domestic 


JAMES  SCOTT  FIRS T  APPEARS  2$ 

affairs  of  the  Hancock  family  for  the  next  half  century. 
They  also  say  :  — 

The  Hemp,  Duck  &  Anchor  for  the  new  ship  you  did  not  send 
by  Jarvis  as  you  Designed.  We  are  going  on  fast  with  the  Ship. 
We  observe  what  Mr.  J.  II.  mentioned  Respecting  the  person  Mr. 
Cahill  Recommended  for  Mastr,  at  present  are  of  opinion  Mr. 
Folger  will  Command  her.  Should  he  alter  his  mind  the  preference 
will  be  given  to  this  Mr.  Scott. 

We  are  much  hurried  at  present,  that  we  can't  add,  save  that  we 

are  with  Esteem  Gent'n, 

Your  most  obedt  Humble  Servts. 

MESSRS.  JONATHAN  BARNARD  &  Co. 

In  these  days,  when  coal  is  so  abundantly  supplied  at 
our  doors  that  the  owners  of  forests  of  wood  can  hardly 
afford  to  have  it  prepared  for  fuel,  we  scarcely  realize 
that  sailing-vessels  brought  coal  from  England,  and  that 
our  American  mountains  were  then  filled  to  bursting 
with  inexhaustible  stores  of  it.  With  what  envious  eyes 
many  of  the  poor,  dependent  upon  the  countrymen  who 
hauled  their  fuel  on  ox-teams  to  Boston,  must  have 
looked  into  the  homes  of  the  Hancocks,  Faneuils,  Hench- 
mans,  and  others,  where  the  family  gathered  about  the 
grate,  flaming  with  English  coals,  procured  as  indicated 
in  this  letter  : 


BOSTON,  June  14^,  1763. 

SIR  :  This  day  we  Rec'd  your  favour  of  Hth  of  April  last,  advis 
ing  you  are  Sending  the  Ship  Mary,  John  Honnog,  master  to  our 
address,  with  a  Load  of  Coals.  The  Ship  does  not  yet  appear,  but 
when  she  arrives,  we  shall  Dispose  of  the  Coals  most  to  your  Advan 
tage  ;  it's  unlucky  there  is  a  great  Quantity  of  Coals  in  Towne,  fear 


26  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

they  will  not  sell  Immediately,  in  that  case  must  be  obliged  to  Store 
them,  in  order  to  Discharge  the  Ship,  according  to  Charter,  which 
you  may  Depend  we  shall  at  the  smallest  Expense  possible,  and  do 
everything  in  our  power  to  Serve  Your  Interest.  We  are  Sir, 

Your  most  ob'nt,  Humble  Serv'ts. 

To  BENJ'N  BIRKBECK,  ESQ'R.  at  the  New  Castle  Coffee  House,  St. 
Mary's  Hill,  London. 

After  the  sale  of  the  freight,  the  following  was  writ 
ten  :- 

BOSTON,  July  29^,  1763. 

SIR  :  We  wrote  you  first  Inst.  of  the  arrival  of  Capt.  Honnog  & 
that  the  Coals  were  sold.  We  now  Inclose  You  Acco"  of  sales, 
with  Capt.  Honnogs  Rec*  for  ^200  SteiTg ;  paid  him,  &  our  Bill 
on  Messr.  Jona.  Barnard  &  Co.  for  the  Ballance  due  to  you  being 
£22.  o.  3.  We  have  charged  no  Commission  on  Cash  paid  or  the 
Remittance,  are  Sorry  the  Coals  fetch  no  better  price,  but  we  did 
the  best  we  could  —  &  as  for  ourselves  there  was  no  Prospect  of 
Coals  Rising.  The  Town  well  supplied  &  the  Charge  of  Storing 
very  high  and  might  have  staid  unsold  12  mo.  That  we  think  we 
acted  upon  ye  whole  most  for  yr.  Interest,  in  Disposing  of  them  at 
the  first  good  offer,  and  are  persuaded  no  Coals  will  be  better  sold 
this  Season. 

The  Ship  was  Dispatched  in  the  Ten  days  agreeable  to  Charter 
party,  £  Capt.  Honnog  sail'd  for  Carolina  21st-  Inst. 

We  Tender  you  any  further  Services  in  our  Power,  £  you  may 
Rely  none  shall  more  study  your  Interest  in  all  Respects  than  Sir, 

Your  most  humble  Servts. 

To  MR.  BENJ'N  BIRKBECK,  at  the  New  Castle  Coffee  House,  St. 
Mary's  Hill,  London. 

On  Aug.  2,  1763,  in  writing  to  their  London  agents 
the  Hancocks  say  :  - 

Messrs.  Folger  &  Gardiner  applied  to  us  to  be  concerned  with 
you  &  them  g  in  Oyle  to  be  sliipt  to  you,  which  we  complied  with 
&  by  this  opp'y  Capt  Jarvis,  we  have  shipt  about  30  Tons.  In 
voice  &  %  you  will  have  in  the  Compa  Letter.  We  have  Shipt 
about  45  Tons  on  board  Jacobson,  who  will  sail  in  a  few  days. 

We  Desire  you  will  please  to  pay  Major  General  Bastide  ^12.  5.  3 


SETTLING   GENERAL    WHITMORE'S  ESTATE       2J 

sterg.  &  charge  our  acco"  being  a  Ball*  due  from  T.  II.  to  Major 
Patrick  Mackellar  £  p'd  him  by  his  order,  &  forward  his  Rect- 

By  Jacobson  we  shall  ship  Two  Trunks,  &  some  cash  for  Capt. 
Edward  Whittemore  &  when  they  arrive  we  pray  your  care  of  them 
&  when  he  applies  to  Deliver  them  to  him,  we  shall  also  forward 
you  a  Discharge  for  him  with  the  other  Heirs  of  the  late  Gen1 
Whittemore  to  sign. 

We  have  not  to  add  save  we  are  with  Esteem 

Gent" 
Your  most  Obed*  humble  Servts- 

MESSRS.  JONA  BARNARD  £  Co. 

The  three  following  letters  afford  a  few  hints  in  re 
gard  to  the  manner  of  settling  estates  of  deceased  men, 
and  to  the  last  French  war,  and  also  of  the  physical 
condition  of  the  senior  member  of  the  Hancock  firm. 

On  July  4,  1763,  in  a  letter  to  Capt.  Edward  Whit- 
more,  who  represents  several  heirs,  Thomas  Hancock 
says  :  — 

SIR  :  I  Rec'd  your  favr  with  the  Duplicate  of  March  9^.  I  am 
Glad  the  Bill  for  ^1000  steriv.  was  duly  paid. 

I  here  Inclose  you  Capt.  Campbells  original  note  of  Hand  for 
the  Hundred  Pounds  Sterl'g.  Genl.  Whitmore  lent  him,  which  have 
Recorded  in  the  Notary's  office.  I  thought  best  to  Transmit!  this 
now  that  you  may  Demand  the  money  of  him. 

I  have  got  all  my  acotts  Ready  Relative  to  Gen'l  Whitmore's 
Estate  &  should  have  transmitted  them  with  your  Papers,  by  this 
opp'y,  with  the  Ballance  in  my  Hands,  but  the  Chief  Justice,  who 
is  Judge  of  Probate  is  Gone  the  Circuit,  and  has  been  absent  some 
time,  at  whose  office  the  accotts  must  pass,  which  has  put  it  out  of 
my  Power  to  do  it  now,  but  it  shall  be  done  at  his  Return,  which 
will  be  soon.  I  am  Sir 

Your  most  Obed'  Humble  Servt- 

CAPT.  EDWARD  WHITMORE. 


BOSTON,  .ln^st  ist,  1763. 

SIR:  This  Advises  you  that  I  shall  ship  you  by  Capt.  Howard 
Jacobson,  on  board  the  Ship  Boscowen  Two  Trunks  of  Papers,  One 
Hundred  Guineas,  a  Gold  Watch  &  Silver  Cup,  consigned  to  Messrs 


28  JOHN  11 A \ COCK,    111S  BOOK 

Jona  Barnard  &  Co.,  who  will  Deliver  them  to  you  on  their  arrival, 
these  Guineas  are  the  same  I  Reed,  among  Genl.Whitmore's  money, 
are  very  short  of  weight,  &  to  pass  them  here  would  be  a  Great 
Loss,  as  they  must  weigh  here  5  dwt.  9  gr.  &  the  Reason  1  did  not 
send  them  before  was  the  Insurance,  very  high,  on  accott  of  the 
war.  I  give  you  this  Advice  that  you  may  Insure  if  you  think  fitt. 

1  shall  write  you  more  particularly  by  Capt.  Jacobson,  and  am 
Sir 

Your  most  Obed1  Humble  Serv1- 

CAPT.  EDWARD  WHITMOKE. 

BOSTON,  Angst  2,  1763. 

DEAR  SIR:  I  Rec'd  your  fav  April  Is*  from  Bath,  Inclosing  a 
Letter  for  Mr.  Bastide,  I  herewith  Return,  as  he  Sail'd  from  hence 
to  London,  in  Capt.  Farr,  some  Time  since.  I  hope  the  Bath  will 
be  of  Service  to  you,  of  which  shall  be  Glad  to  hear. 

I  now  write  to  our  Friend  Barnard  &  Co.  to  pay  you  for  Accts  of 
Majr  Mackellar  ^12.  5.  3.  Sterlg.  Balla.  due  him  from  me,  when 
you  have  Rec'd  it,  please  to  Acquaint  him  of  it  with  my  Compts- 

The  first  of  March  last  I  Renewed  your  note  for  ^300  &  added 
the  Interest  to  that  Time  .£13,  and  Took  a  new  note  for  ^313,  or 
must  have  Rec'd  the  Principal  money  out  of  the  Treasury,  the  20^ 
June  last,  this  new  note  is  payable  2o*h  June  1766. 

I  am  very  weak  &  cannot  get  well,  my  Legs  &  Feet  swell  much 
&  I  am  Incapable  of  Doing  hardly  any  Business,  the  Rest  of  the 
Family  are  pretty  well. 

Mrs.  Hancock  joins  me  in  our  most  Respectfull  Compts  to  you 
&  your  Lady,  Mrs.  Bastide  &  the  Young  Ladies. 

I  am  very  sincerely,  Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  Obed'  £  most  Humble  Serv»- 

Dr.  Cooper1  &  Mrs.  Hancock  send  their  comps. 
MAJOR  GENERAL  BASTIDE  &c.  &c.  &c. 

The  treasury  alluded  to  above  and  in  other  letters 
was  the  Province  Treasury,  which  served  as  a  bank  of 
deposit  for  the  people  of  the  time. 

Under  the  same  date,  a  letter  is  written  to  Matthew 

1  Dr.  Cooper  was  the  pastor  at  the  Brattle-street  Church,  attended  by 
the  Hancock  family. 


GARRISON  SUPPLIES  29 

Wopdford,  Esq.,  from  which  more  facts  are  obtained  in 

regard  to  supplies  for  the  garrisons  :  — 

SIR  :  Inclosed  you  have  three  months  victualling  Lists,  one  from 
March  2i»t  to  17^  April,  1763,  for  13698  Rations,  one  from  i8th 
April  to  15't'i  May  13424  Rations,  one  i6tl»  May  to  I2t'»  June  15093 
Rations. 

We  have  Rec'd  no  Letter  from  you  since  7th  March,  have  the 
Pleasure  to  Tell  you,  that,  Mr.  Williams  has  got  clear  of  all  the  old 
Bread  except  1 140!^-,  but  we  were  obliged  to  send  him  from  Boston  a 
Quantity  of  higher  prized  Bread  for  the  officers,  &c.  to  help  it  oft' 
&  make  'em  easy.  We  will  Endeavor  to  get  a  Certificate  from  the 
Officers,  if  we  can,  that  you  may  Recover  this  Loss,  of  the  Govern 
ment,  as  Mr.  Gerrish  Recommends. 

As  the  Government  are  Repairing  the  Fort  at  Annapolis,  suppose 
the  numbers  will  be  Augmented,  Considerable  of  which  Expect  soon 
to  hear. 

To  my  Great  Surprise,  Mr.  Gerrish  writes  me  Mr.  Townsend 
has  forbid  him  to  act  any  longer  as  Commissary  for  you.  Copies 
of  his  Letters  you  have  here  Inclosed,  as  also  one  from  Mr.  Wil 
liams.  We  have  wrote  to  Desire  his  Continuance,  or  to  Recom 
mend  such  an  one  as  we  may  Depend  upon  Doing  us  Justice.  We 
wish  &  hope  Mr.  Gerrish  to  Continue  Hill  can  hear  from  you  on 
this  Head.  We  have  victuall'd  Chignecto  &  Annapolis  up  to  Dece™ , 
&  some  Groceries  over  done.  Bread  &  Flour  we  Sent  to  Philadelphia 
for.  As  these  articles  come  Cheaper  &  there  is  a  Necessity  soon  to 
send  six  months  more,  to  Chignecto,  for  the  Navigation  to  that 
Place  will  not  admit  without  great  Risque,  of  Sending  there  after 
October  &  should  a  Cargo  be  lost,  there  would  be  no  Replacing  it 
again  the  whole  winter  &  no  Going  to  that  Place,  till  April  or  May, 
with  any  safety,  to  Annapolis  can  send  at  almost  any  Time  &  shall 
Defer  buying  Pork,  for  that  Place,  till  new  comes  in,  to  Compleat  the 
next  six  months.  The  Reason  for  Sending  so  much  Flour  to  Chig 
necto  is  they  issue  it  instead  of  Bread,  &  it's  a  cheaper  Freight. 

We  have  Insisted  on  Issuing  all  the  Rice  they  possibly  can  & 
they  say  they  do,  even  to  Troops  Complaining  of  having  so  much 
Rice. 

Provisions  are  still  high.  The  Droughts  for  two  years  past  made 
a  Great  Scarcity.  Pork  is  now  15  Dollars  pr.  Barrel  we  bought 
hitherto  for  you  Cheaper,  but  for  the  next  six  months,  we  must  give 
more,  are  Going  to  Send  to  Philadelphia,  &  see  what  it  can  be  had 


30  JOIIAT  //AA'COCA',    HIS  BOOK 

for  there.  We  have  now  a  good  Season  &  Like  to  have  Great  Crops, 
that  next  Year  all  Provisions  must  fall,  propose  to  Send  for  Bread, 
Flour,  Pork  &c.  to  Philadelphia,  to  make  up  what's  wanted,  for  the 
next  six  months,  when  we  draw  our  own  Bills  of  Exchange,  &  pay 
the  ready  money,  as  we  did  for  the  last  Cargo,  &  is  Cheaper  than 
can  be  purchased  here,  although  it's  more  trouble  to  us.  Are  now 
in  advance  for  you.  Acco«s  will  be  Sent  as  soon  as  we  have 
Time  to  Get  them  out,  when  shall  Draw  for  the  Ballance. 

You  may  Depend  we  shall  on  all  occasions,  act,  what  we  think 
will  be  most  for  your  Interest  and  are 

Sir, 
Your  most  obedt  &  most  Humble  Servants. 

BOSTON,  Angst  17,  1763. 

GENTN  :  By  Jarvis.  we  wrote  You  &  handed  You  Invoice  of  212 
Casks  Sperm  Oil,  in  thirds  with  You  &  selves,  hope  will  arrive  safe 
&  meet  a  good  market. 

We  now  Inclose  You  Invoice  &  Bill  of  Lading  of  119  Casks 
Sperm  Oil,  &  172  Casks  Whale  Oil,  Shipt,  on  board  the  Boscawen, 
Howard  Jacobson  Master,  to  Your  address  pr  Invoice,  on  acco" 
and  Risque  of  you  &  selves,  wish  may  arrive  safe.  We  would  just 
observe  to  You  that  this  Whale  Oil,  is  far  preferable  to  what  com 
monly  is  at  Your  market,  it  is  quite  white  &  sweet,  &  well  manu 
factured.  We  therefore  Desire  Your  particular  Inspection  of  it,  in 
the  Sale,  &  we  judge  will  fetch  a  better  Price  than  the  brown  sperm, 
as  the  quality  of  this  much  excedes  the  common  sorts  and  you  may 
Recommend  it  for  Such.  We  also  cover  You  the  cost  of  the  whole 
amo,  to  ,£1436.  14.  4  Lawfull  Money.  One  third  of  the  n*  Proceeds 
you  will  please  to  carry  to  the  credit  of  T.  H.  &  Co. ;  the  other 
two  thirds  to  be  Settled  between  Yourselves  £  Folger  &  Gardner, 
to  whom  is  left  the  Settlement  of  the  Purchase  of  Your  third  here, 
&  they  will  Draw  for  that  Amount. 

The  new  Ship  goes  on  very  well,  we  Expect  she  will  be  Launched 
by  15^  Sepf  next,  &  shall  be  able  to  get  her  away  by  Ist  Nov- 
We  believe  this  vessel  will  answer  Your  Expectations,  as  she  ap 
pears  to  be  well  Executed,  and  will  be  a  fine  Ship,  at  least  no  Pains 
is  spar'd  to  have  her  so. 

We  are  Gentn  , 
Your  most  Obed*.  Humble  Serves , 

THOMAS  HANCOCK  &  Co., 
FOLGER  &  GARDNER. 

To  MESSRS.  JON*-  BARNARD  &  Co. 


SETTLING    GEXERAL    WHITMORE*S  ESTATE       31 

The  following  letter  of  Aug.  23  shows  that  the  legal 
steps  have  been  taken  in  settlement  of  the  Whitmore 
estate,  and  gives  a  hint  at  the  working  of  the  law  of 
primogeniture  as  far  as  it  was  applicable  in  this  coun 
try:- 

You  will  see  that  the  Judge  has  made  a  Distribution  of  the  Es 
tate  here,  according  to  our  Laws  &  Decreed  You  two  shares  of  said 
Estate,  you  being  the  Eldest  son.  I  have  acted  in  all  things  what 
I  thought  for  your  Interest.  The  Rank  the  General  held  in  the 
Army,  occasioned  the  expense  of  his  funeral  to  be  much  higher  than 
otherwise  it  might  have  been,  but  as  he  had  all  the  Honors  paid 
him  according  to  his  Rank,  I  am  persuaded  you  will  think  the  money 
well  expended. 

The  keys  of  the  Trunks  are  in  the  Bag  with  the  Guineas. 


32  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER  V 

THOMAS  HANCOCK'S  PRIVATE  CHARITY.  LAUNCHING  OF  THE 
BOSTON  PACKET.  HER  FIRST  VOYAGE.  JAMES  OTIS  AS 
ATTORNEY.  OTHER  NOTED  LAWYERS.  HANCOCK  SENDS 
FOR  WIGS.  COSTUMES  OF  THE  TIME.  CORRESPONDENCE 
WITH  LADY  WARREN.  AID  TO  PRISONERS  AT  BREST. 
HANCOCK  FIRM  LOST  CONTROL  OF  NANTUCKET  OIL  TRADE. 

DEALS    IN    MORTGAGES. 

BOSTON,  September  10^,  1763. 

MY  DEAR  SIR  :  I  am  to  acquaint  you,  that  both  Capt.  Peter 
Bulkley,  £  his  mother  Mary  Bulkley  are  Dead.  Peter  made  a  Will 
&  Gave  all  to  his  Mother,  who  Died  before  him,  &  left  nothing  in 
this  Country,  that  I  can  find.  They  are  both  in  my  Debt,  for  which 
Reason  I  have  Taken  out  Letters  of  Administration  upon  both  their 
Estates,  the  Reason  I  did  it  on  Peter's  was  on  Acc't  of  the  Estate 
said  to  be  his,  in  your  Hands,  and  I  most  earnestly  Desire  that  you 
will  please  to  let  me  know  the  Circumstances  of  that  Estate,  and 
whether  there  will  be  any  thing  finally  to  Receive,  when  and  what  it 
may  be.  I  have  Given  Bonds  to  the  Office  &  wholly  maintained  old 
Mr-  Bulkley  &  Wife  for  many  Years  except  what  of  your  Goodness 
you  advanced  to  her  when  at  Boston,  this  I  did  in  Compassion  to 
the  good  old  People,  &  if  there  is  no  Help  for  me  from  you  out  of 
that  Estate  at  Epsom,  I  must  wait  for  my  Reward  in  the  other 
World. 

I  shall  be  extreamly  Obliged  to  you  for  a  Line  on  this  Subject, 
by  first  Opportunity,  &  to  hear  of  your  Health  &  Happiness. 

Mrs.  Hancock  Joins  in  Compliments  to  both  you  &  your  good 
Lady,  and  believe  me  to  be  with  great  Regard 

Dear  Kilby 
Your  most  Obliged  Friend  &  most  Obed*  Humble  Servt. 

P.S.  You  shall  have  Certificates  if  you  please,  of  my  Administra 
tion  from  the  Office. 

CHRISTOPHER  KILBY,  ESQ*- 


LAUNCHING    OF   THE   BOSTON-  PACKET  33 

In  writing  under  date  of  Sept.  26,  the  Hancocks 
say:  — 

The  24th  Inst.  the  New  Ship  was  Launched  &  we  shall  use  the 
utmost  Dispatch  to  fit  her  for  the  Sea,  &  get  her  away  as  soon  as 
possible.  We  think  her  a  good  vessell,  well  Built  &  believe  will 
Answer  your  Expectations  in  every  Respect,  am  sorry  Loring  is  not 
in,  as  we  much  want  that  Mr.  Scott  whom  you  Recommend  ;  if  she 
does  not  soon  arrive,  we  must  be  obliged  to  fill  up  his  Birth.  We 
are  much  Hurried  and  add  but  that  we  hope  soon  to  hear  from  you 
&  that  we  are  with  Esteem  Gent", 

Your  most  Obedt  Serves. 

MESSRS.  JONA.  BARNARD  &  Co. 

A  month  later,  in  a  letter  to  the  London  agents,  we 
read  :  — 

Our  ship  Boston  Packett  will  certainly  sail  by  the  loth  Novr 
had  we  not  met  with  Disappointments,  in  oyle,  would  have  sailed 
sooner,  in  Regard  to  Insurance  act  as  you  Judge  best.  Should  She 
not  arrive  in  Time,  believe  it  best  to  Insure  ^1600  01-^1700  sterlg, 
on  the  Ship,  Nath^l  Coffin,  master.  As  to  the  Cargo,  cannot  ascer 
tain  any  sum,  not  being  wholly  loaded,  but  should  you  imagine  any 
Risque  by  her  not  arriving,  You  will  make  Insurance  on  her  Cargo, 
to  the  am°  of  ^2500  SterPg  or  ^3000,  upon  the  whole  leave  it  you 
to  act  as  You  think  best.  The  Ship  &. Cargo,  being  in  thirds  with 
You,  ourselves,  &  Folger  &  Gardiner. 

Every  student  of  the  Revolutionary  period  of  our  his 
tory  becomes  deeply  interested  in  James  Otis,  and  must 
welcome  the  slightest  allusion  to  that  brilliant  man.  His 
famous  speech  in  1761  against  the  "Writs  of  Assis 
tance  "  gave  him  a  most  enviable  reputation  as  an  orator 
and  as  a  lawyer.  We  find  that  the  Hancocks  lose  no 
opportunity  to  recommend  him  as  a  lawyer  to  their 
commercial  associates  in  England  having  business  trans 
actions  here.  It  requires  but  little  exercise  of  our  im 
agination  to  see  James  Otis  as  he  walks  in  and  out  the 
Hancock  counting-room,  lingers  to  take  advice  of  the 


34 


JOHN  11AXCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


senior  member  of  the  firm,  or  to  exchange  a  friendly 
greeting  with  John  Hancock,  who  was  but  a  few  years 

his  junior. 

BOSTON,  October  27^,  1763. 

SIR  :  We  Reed.  Your  Letter  of  July  14^  last,  covering  Your 
Letter  &  Power  of  Attorney  to  James  Otis,  Esq.  which  we  Deld  to 
him,  in  Consequence  of  which  he  Immediately  Sett  out  for  Newbury, 
are  Sorry,  without  Success,  as  he  will  write  You  by  this  opportu 
nity,  to  which  we  Refer, 
find  Mr-  Harris's  Effects 
were  all  made  over  & 
Secured  to  Messrs.  Tric- 
othick  &  Co.  long  ago. 
We  had  a  Letter  from 
Harris  declaring,  till  Mr. 
Otis  acquainted  him,  he 
never  heard  of  Your 
Name,  nor  of  this  De 
mand  ;  he  has  a  good 
Character  here  &  a  fair 
honest  man.  These  Mis 
fortunes  are  certainly 
brought  upon  him  by 
his  Partner  Cummings. 
We  are  really  sorry  for 
you.  Mr.  Harris  has 
since  Taken  Passage  for 
London,  to  Settle  his 

affairs,  having  not  had  a  letter  from  his  Partner,  these  18  months. 
We  should  have  been  very  ready  to  have  assisted  Mr.  Otis  in  the 
affair  &  have  paid  Mr.  Otis,  his  Demand  ^4.  10.  sterling,  which 
you  will  please  to  Repay  to  Mr.  Barnard  &  Co. 

We  are  Sir, 
Your  Most  Obedt  Humble  Servt. 

To  MR  ARTHUR  JONES,  Mercht. 
London. 

The  following  letter  of  Oct.  29,  1763,  suggests  condi 
tions  of  the  market  here  which  to  the  merchant  of  to 
day  seem  almost  incredible  :  — 


JAMES    OTIS. 


JAMES   OTIS  AND    OTHER   NOTED   LAWYERS       35 

This  is  to  Desire  you  will  as  soon  as  possible  &  without  Fail 
Ship  us  from  Cork  250  Barrels  of  Best  Irish  Pork  &  100  Firkins  of 
good  Irish  Butter,  the  weight  of  each  Barrell  of  Pork  to  be  mark'd 
on  the  head,  to  be  well  Packed.  This  Article  will  be  very  Scarce  & 
Dear  here,  that  we  must  Depend  upon  your  shipping  it  with  the  100 
Firkins  of  Butter  to  be  here  in  all  March  if  possible  &  if  no  oppor'y 
to  this  place,  Ship  it  to  Halifax  to  the  care  of  Benj.  Gerrish  Esqr. 
and  as  soon  as  the  next  May  Butter  is  fit  to  ship  we  Desire  you  will 
then  ship  us  100  Firkins  more  of  the  best  new  Rose  May  Butter. 
We  rely  on  your  care  to  have  these  articles  of  the  best  kind  &  pur 
chased  at  the  best  Rates,  which  charge  to  our  accott. 

We  beg  your  attention  to  this  that  we  may  not  by  any  means  be 
disappointed,  as  we  shall  be  in  great  want  of  it. 
We  are  with  Respect 
Gentn, 

Your  most  hum.  Servts. 

MESSRS.  JON*.  BARNARD  &  Co. 

In  a  letter  of  Nov.  4,  1763,  Mr.  Thomas  Hancock 
writes  :  — 

I  can  heartily  Recommend  the  following  Gent"  of  the  Law,  if 
Mr.  Beth  or  Capt.  Covenhoven  think  proper  to  Impower,  with  Mr. 
John  Wendell  £  they  may  Depend  any  of  them  will  serve  them 
faithfully,  viz.,  James  Otis  Esqr-,  Oxenbridge  Thatcher  Esqr-,  or 
Robert  Auchmuty  Esqr. 

These  lawyers  were  all  prominent  at  the  opening  of 
the  Revolution.  Thatcher's  office  was  near  the  south 
door  of  the  Old  State  House.  Auchmuty  lived  on  School 
Street,  and  was  a  judge  in  the  court  at  one  time. 

The  Hancock  firm  were  burdened  with  a  variety  of 
duties  for  people  abroad.  In  a  letter  of  Nov.  7,  1763, 
they  give  advice  in  regard  to  a  land  claim.  Thus  — 

Inclosed  you  have  a  Return  of  the  Land's  value  to  which  Refer. 
You'll  observe  there  is  303  Acres  taken  into  the  Province  of  New 
Hampshire  &  in  their  Possession,  &  not  to  be  Recover'd,  as  You 
are  here  informed,  without  an  application  to  King  &  council ;  of 
this  You  will  consider,  whether  it  is  worth  your  while  to  be  at  the 


36  JOHN  HANCOCK,   JUS  BOOK 

Expence  of.  There  is  many  People  in  this  Country  who  have  Lands 
Taken  from  them  in  the  same  manner,  &  have  gone  through  Law 
Suits.  Lost  their  Cases.  They  no  Doubt  will  be  willing  to  join 
You,  should  it  be  worth  your  while  to  make  application  Home. 

We  have  paid  for  Examination  of  the  Records,  Postage,  of  Let 
ters,  &c.  We  are  Sir 

Your  Most  Obedt.  Humble  Servt- 

ANDREW  LESLEY  ESQ. 

The  land  trouble  referred  to  above  was  doubtless  the 
outcome  of  the  adjustment  of  the  boundary  in  1741  be 
tween  New  Hampshire  and  Massachusetts. 

In  a  letter  of  Nov.  9,  1763,  we  learn  that  the  Han 
cock  firm  send  for  foolscap  paper,  and  remind  their 
agents  that  the  last  sent  was  too  poor  to  take  ink.  A 
great  variety  of  duties  were  intrusted  to  their  foreign 
agents.  On  the  I4th  of  the  same  month  they  send  for 
a  large  quantity  of  grindstones  to  come  by  their  new 
ship,  Boston  Packet,  and  close  a  long  letter  with  the 
following  :  — 

o 

Our  J.  H.  asks  the  fav'r  that  Mr.  Harrison  will  please  to  get 
made  &  sent  him  I  neatt  Bag  wig  and  I  neatt  Bob  wig.  Fashion 
able  &  of  a  light  colour,  the  size  of  Mr.  Barnard's  will  nearly  suit 
the  Tie  wig  Mr.  Birch  made  which  J.  H.  Brought  with  him  fitted 
very  well.  The  cost  of  them  Mr.  Harrison  will  charge  in  his  little 
accott  with  J.  H. 

The  above  order,  and  others  for  family  supplies,  sug 
gest  the  costume  of  the  time.  Whoever  met  with 
Thomas  Hancock  in  his  home,  doubtless  saw  him  dressed 
in  a  red  velvet  cap,  with  an  inside  cap  of  white  linen 
which  turned  over  the  edge  of  the  velvet  two  or  three 
inches  ;  a  blue  damask  dressing-gown  lined  with  sky- 
blue  silk  ;  a  white  satin  waistcoat,  with  deep  embroid 
ered  flaps ;  black  satin  breeches,  with  long  white  silk 
stockings,  and  red  morocco  slippers. 


COSTUMES   OF   THE    TIME 


37 


If  they  met  him  on  the  street  or  at  the  warehouse, 
they  noticed  that  he  had  changed  his  velvet  cap  for  his 
bag  or  bob  wig,  and  had  on  a  large  three-cornered  hat  ; 
in  place  of  his  flowered  brocade  he  had  on  a  gold-laced 
coat  of  red  or  blue  broadcloth,  with  deep  lace  ruffles  at 
the  wrists ;  had  a  sword  on  his  side,  and  wore  on  his 
feet  a  pair  of  shoes  with  great  silver  or  gold  buckles. 

But  the  costume  of  the  elder  Hancock  could  not  have 
satisfied    the    younger.     John   Hancock  in  these   days 
would  be  called  a  dandy.     His  toilet  was  elaborate.    His 
shirt-front  was  trimmed 
with  fine  lace,  and  doubt 
less   there  was   a   great 
brooch  stuck  in  it.     His 
breeches  were  of  green 
or  red  velvet,  or  white, 
lilac,  or  blue  satin,  and 
his   fine  shoes  had   the 
most  expensive  buckles. 

These  costumes  af 
forded  little  comfort 
when  the  wearers  were 

racked  and  tormented  with  the  gout,  and  doubtless 
either  Hancock  would  gladly  have  exchanged  them  for 
the  menial's  costume  if  they  could  at  the  same  time 
have  had  the  menial's  freedom  from  the  pain  that 
dragged  them  down  to  death. 

The  vessel  that  carried  the  orders  for  wigs,  etc.,  took 
the  following  to  Messrs.  Jona.  Barnard  &  Co. :  — 

As  Pork  will  be  scarce  &  Dear  here,  we  think,  if  it  be  at  mod 
erate  Price,  in  Ireland,  a  cargo  would  come  to  a  good  markett,  here 
to  be  Early.  We  have  wrote  You  by  the  "  Boston  Packett  "  to 
ship  us  250  Barrells  £  100  Firkins  of  Butter,  to  be  here  in  all, 


COCKED    HAT    AND    HAT-BOX. 


38  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

March,  if  possible.  We  now  Desire  You  to  send  us  Double  the 
Quantity  at  the  lowest  Freight,  &  if  no  oppory  to  this  place,  ship 
it  to  Halifax  to  the  address  of  Benj.  Gerrish  Esq.  Or  if  You 
prefer  a  Concern  in  Loading  a  small  vessell  to  this  place,  we  will 
stand  the  half,  and  think  some  Beef  might  answer,  but  it  must  be 
here  early ;  if  You  do  not  incline,  we  must  Depend  You  will  send 
me  the  Quantity  we  wrote  for,  as  soon  as  possible. 

In  a  letter  of  Nov.  25  to  the  London  agents  we 
read  :  — 

What  of  your  Goods  by  Blake,  that  are  on  shore  &  opened,  turn 
out  well,  except  the  single  piece  of  scarlet  Whitney  we  wrote  for, 
which  as  we  limited  no  Price  &  mentioned  it  was  solely  for  T.  H.  & 
family's  use  this  Winter,  we  Judg'd  you  would  have  been  a  little  at 
tentive  to  send  it  of  the  very  best,  had  the  expence  been  twice  as 
much  ;  instead  of  that  you  have  sent  a  common  Colchester  Baize  of 
a  bad  colour  &  so  immoderately  Coarse  that  it  is  entirely  useless  & 
some  Disappointment  to  T.  H.  &  will  hardly  answer  for  common 
sale  at  the  Price.  We  are  not  apt  to  P^ault  You,  but  this  we  could 
not  help  mentioning  £  have  to  desire  in  future  that  you  will  please 
to,  when  any  Article  is  wrote  for  Family  use,  to  send  it  of  the  very 
best  kind,  cost  what  it  will. 

Thomas  Hancock  has  occasion  to  write  to  Lady 
Warren  again.  The  letter  places  before  the  reader  the 
names  of  more  of  the  lawyers  of  that  time. 

BOSTON,  November  2$th ,  1763. 

MADAM  :  I  Receiv'd  your  fav?r  of  a  Letter,  wherein  you  Desired 
to  pay  Sir  Peter's  Subscription  to  the  Church  at  Cambridge  &  that 
you  had  Desired  Mr.  Delancy  to  Remitt  me  the  money,  I  have  since 
Rec'd  the  Balla.  of  Majr  Lockman's  Bond,  of  poor  Mr.  Jones,  who 
is  since  Reduc'd,  &  not  worth  a  Farthing,  and  have  paid  me  said 
Subscription  out  of  that  Money,  and  have  wrote  Mr.  Delancey  of 
it,  &  that  he  need  not  send  me  the  Money. 

I  should  be  very  glad,  were  it  in  my  Power  to  Settle  your  af 
fairs  ;  but  as  my  Health  will  not  permitt,  I  beg  you  will  Impower 
some  other  Gent'n  to  take  the  Papers,  settle  with  me,  &  Collect  the 
Remainder  of  your  Debts. 


AID    7V   PRISONER   AT  /WEST  39 

I  would  Recommend  to  you,  James  Otis,  Esq'r  or  Robert  Auch- 
muty  Esq'r,  of  the  Law,  or  Nath'1  Wheelwright,  Esqr.,  or  Natiri 
Bethune,  EsqY.,  either  of  them  will  serve  you  faithfully. 

Mrs.  Hancock  Joins  me  in  best  Comp'ts  to  you,  and  I  am, 
Madam 

Your  most  obed't  &  most  Humble  Serv'nt. 

HON'BLE  LADY  Sus.  WARREN. 

The  firm  take  upon  themselves  a  new  duty,  and  write, 
on  Dec.  23,  1/63,  to  London  agents  thus  :  — 

We  some  time  ago  wrote  you  Respecting  one  David  McCloud, 
who  went  a  Randsomer  for  a  vessell  of  Mr.  Tim°  Fitche's,  we  now 
Request  the  favr,  You  will  please  to  write  over  to  Brest,  where  he 
now  is  in  Gaol,  and  order  to  be  paid  him,  Five  Pounds  SteiTg  which 
charge  to  our  acco"-  This  we  do  at  the  Desire  of  his  Father ;  & 
you  will  please  to  signify  the  same  to  him  &  beg  if  you  can  be  any 
way  servicible  in  setting  him  at  Liberty,  that  you  will  please  to  do 
it,  as  Mr.  Fitch  says  he  has  money  in  your  hands,  &  has  Desired 
you  long  ago  to  pay  the  Ransom. 

In  a  letter  of  April  6,  1763,  the  Hancock  firm  ac 
knowledge  having  failed  to  control  the  oil  trade  at  Nan- 
tucket. 

GENTN  :  We  have  wrote  You  already  by  this  Ship  of  2^  Inst. : 
since  which  we  have  Rec'd  Your  favr  of  3otl1  Dec.  and  note  the 
contents.  Observed  You  had  made  near  full  Insurance  on  the 
Boston  Packett.  You  say  nothing  of  the  Ship-master,  nor,  indeed 
any  thing  about  her,  should  have  been  glad  to  have  known  the 
Character  of  Mr.  Coffin,  &  whether  You  should  like  to  Continue  him 
in  the  ship,  of  which  you  are  silent. 

The  schooner  from  Nantucket,  sailing  to  your  place  with  oyle, 
was  very  unlucky,  more  especially  as  it  fetched  so  great  a  price,  as 
it  may  be  a  means  of  their  continuing  that  method,  beside  keeping 
up  the  price  of  oyle  here.  Capt.  Folger  did  all  he  could  to  prevent 
her  sailing,  but  they  were  Determined  upon  it. 

The  early  merchants  had  to  manage  with  mortgages 
as  do  modern  traders.  Witness  the  following  :  — 


4°  JOHN  HANCOCK,    JUS  BOOK 

BOSTON,  February  g//t,  1764. 

GEXT*  :  I  have  taken  Possession  of  Mr.  Lewis  Estate  in  Your 
names,  which  was  mortgaged  a  security  for  his  and  Se wall's  Debt  to 
You,  &  can  now  sell  so  as  to  Receive  your  whole  Debt,  but  the 
Power  of  Attorney  I  have  from  you,  is  not  sufficient  to  give  a  Title 
to  Real  Estate,  or  I  should  have  sold  £  Reed  the  whole  of  your 
Demands  :  I  have  therefore  got  a  Power  prepared  agreeable  to  our 
Laws,  which  is  here  Inclosed.  You  will  please  to  get  authenticated 
&  Return'd  as  soon  as  may  be,  for  the  Estate  is  mortgaged  to  two 
other  People  since,  for  more  than  its  worth,  but  we  must  be  satis- 
lied,  which  can't  be  unless  I  Give  a  good  Title,  which  can't  be  done 
until  I  have  this  Power  £  you  need  be  at  no  other  Expence  at 
Home.  I  have  Joined  my  Nephew  in  this  Power,  hope  will  be 
agreeable  to  you. 

I  am  Dear  Sir, 

Your  most  obed.t,  Humble  Servt- 
MESSRS.  CHRISTO  KILBY  & 

JON*    BARNARD  £  Co. 


PASSENGERS   TO   ENGLAND  41 


CHAPTER    VI 

PASSENGERS  TO  ENGLAND.  WILLIAM  ROTCH  IN  THE  COM 
MERCIAL  BUSINESS.  JAMES  SCOTT  ADVISED  TO  PRUDENCE. 
DEATH  OF  THOMAS  HANCOCK.  FUNERAL  CUSTOMS.  JOHN 
HANCOCK  AND  NANTUCKET  MERCHANTS.  GROUP  OF  OLD 
BOSTON  MERCHANTS.  LONDON  INSURANCE. 

MRS.  EDWARD  How  goes  to  England  in  one  of  the 
Hancock  vessels  to  seek  redress  of  the  government. 
In  the  vessel  going  next  after  her  departure,  Mr. 
Thomas  Hancock  writes  to  her  thus  :  — 

BOSTON,  February  io///,  1764. 

DEAR  MADAM  :  After  wishing  you  a  good  voyage  &  all  Imagi 
nable  success  in  your  affairs,  this  is  to  Desire  you,  when  You  have 
Rec'd  such  money's  of  the  Government,  or  other  ways,  as  shall  en 
able  you  to  pay  the  Ball*    due  to  the  late  Com  pa    of  Apthorp  & 
Hancock,  that  you  will  be  so  kind  as  to  pay  my  half  of  the  same  to 
Messrs.  Jonathan  Barnard  £  Co.  merchts1,  in  Size  Lane,  London 
for  my  acco"  ;   and  their  Receipts  shall  Discharge  the  Estate  of  the 
late  Edward  How  Esqr  from  all  Demand's  upon  said  Estate. 
I  am  with  great  Respect, 
Madam 

Your  most  ObecU  Humble  Servt- 

P.S.  Mr.  Wheelwright  will  deliver  you  the  acco"  with  a  Letter. 
To  MRS-  MARY  MAG*  How. 

After  several  letters  in  regard  to  a  renewal  of  contract 
for  supplying  the  garrisons  at  Nova  Scotia,  and  in  ad 
justing  former  accounts,  the  Plancocks  write  to  their 
London  agents :  — 


42  JOHN  HANCOCK,   II IS  BOOK 

BOSTON,  July  gth  1764. 

GENT*  :  The  Boston  Packett  sail'd  27^  of  June  &  hope  she  is 
well  on  her  Passage  —  as  she  has  had  a  fine  time  £  wish  this  may 
find  her  safe  with  you  &  beg  your  utmost  Diligence  to  Dispatch  her 
back,  to  this  Place  ;  if  not  a  full  freight  better  to  get  away  early  than 
lose  a  freight  of  White  Oyl  in  the  Fall,  which  shall  be  ready  for 
her. 

The  Brigt  Lydia,  James  Scott,  Masr  will  saile  in  six  or  eight 
days,  to  your  address,  with  a  valuable  cargo  of  Sperm  Oil,  in  Equal 
Thirds,  with  you,  Folger  &  Gardner,  &  ourselves,  as  to  Cargo. 
The  Brigt  on  your  acco"  and  ours,  in  equal  halves,  if  agreeable  to 
you.  She  is  a  very  good  Vessell  &  a.  cheap  one.  We  think  it  best 
to  make  Insurance,  at  least  in  part  &  on  Rec*  of  this,  desire  you 
will  please  to  Order  Insurance  to  be  made  at  the  Lowest  Prem<- 
Viz't. 

On  Brigt  Lydia,  James  Scott,  Masr  at  and  from  Boston  to  Lon 
don  ^800.  On  Cargo  &  Freight,  £2200,  3000,  Sterling.  *  *  Oil 
is  extremely  high  and  scarce  which  you  will  Notice  in  the  Sale. 
We  have  been  so  very  Lucky  in  purchasing  a  Cargo  of  Oil,  for  this 
vessell  &  think  we  have  Gained  a  Great  Point,  when  Mr.  RotcrTs 
vessell  lays  waiting  for  Oil  &  she  began  to  Load  before  Our  Brigt 
was  Ready  to  Take  in  &  indeed  while  the  Boston  Packett  was 
Load'g.  You  shall  have  some  particulars  hereafter. 

Give  us  leave  out  of  friendship  just  to  mention  that  we  think  you 
are  not  altogether  so  Regular  in  Your  answers  to  Letters  £  Sending 
accotts  of  Sales,  &c.  as  is  Expected  ;  We  have  heard  many  Com 
plaints  of  that  Sort,  which  is  apt  to  Prejudice  Persons  against  your 
House.  We  could  not  say  so  much,  as  could  have  wished,  as  there 
is  a  great  Proof  of  it  as  to  our  own  accotts-  This  you  will  Excuse 
&  hope  there  will  be  no  occasion  for  the  like  Complaints  in  future. 

You  will  duly  Notice  that  we  did  not  Recommend  Mrs.  How  to 
you  for  Credit  only  for  any  little  Civilities  or  Services  you  might 
please  to  show  her,  as  she  was  Distressed. 

We  can't  add  but  that  we  are  Sincerely 

Gent" 
Your  most  Obed*  Servants. 

MESSRS.  BARNARD  &  HARRISON. 

Mr.  Rotch  alluded  to  in  the  above  letter  was  probably 
William,  brother  of  Francis  Rotch,  who  built  the  ship 


WILLIAM  KOTCIf  IN  COMMERCIAL   BUSINESS     43 

Dartmouth,  and  placed  her  in  the  merchant  service. 
They  were  sons  of  Joseph  Rotch.  The  family  at  first 
appear  at  Nantucket,  from  whence  they  went  to  Dart 
mouth,  which  in  part  became  New  Bedford.  Mr.  Fran 
cis  Rotch  named  his  vessel,  built  in  1767,  for  the  old 
town,  where  he  took  up  his  abode  at  about  the  time  of 
his  introduction  to  Mr.  Hancock. 


ROTCH    WAREHOUSE,    NANTUCKET. 

There  seemed  to  be  a  spirit  of  rivalry  existing  be 
tween  the  Hancock  firm  and  William  Rotch,  both  being 
engaged  in  the  same  branch  of  commerce. 

In  a  letter  of  July  —  ,  1764,  to  Barnard  &  Harrison, 
sent  by  Brig  Lydia,  James  Scott,  master,  the  Hancocks 
write  thus  :  — 

We  could  wish,  tho'  think  it  something  unlikely,  that  you  could 
procure  a  Freight  for  the  Brigt  immediately  back  to  this  Place,  or 
to  Halifax,  if  to  be  had  without  waiting,  but  rather  than  she  should 
be  Delayed  we  would  advise  that  the  Brigt  should  with  all  Dispatch 


44  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

proceed  to  New  Castle  &  Receive  on  board  a  full  Load  of  Coals,  for 
this  Place,  which  \ve  think  will  answer  pretty  well,  especially  as  it 
is  not  probable,  many  ships  will  come  from  thence,  as  our  Marketts 
have  been  so  dull.  In  case  she  proceeds  to  New  Castle,  or  on  any 
other  voyage,  you  will  keep  her  fully  Insured,  till  her  arrival  at  Bos 
ton.  We  shall  have  a  Load  of  Oyl  Ready  for  the  Brigt  on  her  re 
turn  here.  Messrs  Folger  &  Gardner  must  pay  50  /  steiTg  per  Ton, 
Freight  for  one  third  the  cargo,  which  Suppose  you  will  Charge 
them,  and  Credit  our  acco",  for  one  half  their  freight. 

You  will  please  to  advice  Mr.  Scott  against  incurring  any  need 
less  Expences  on  the  Bright,  &  pray  Recommend  Prudence  £  care 
to  him,  as  he  is  Young,  &  let  him  advise  with  you,  Respecting 
his  conduct.  The  Brigt,  has  we  think  Provisions  Sufficient  to 
bring  her  back  &  don't  know  any  stores  she  is  in  want  of. 

This  letter  concludes  with  an  order,  which  reveals  the 
suffering  condition  of  the  senior  member  of  the  firm  :  - 

Please  to  send  by  the  Boston  Packett  a  covering  for  a  Bed,  to 
be  had  at  Mr.  Fisher's,  the  Eiderdown  Warehouse  in  Litchfield 
street,  Oxford  market,  pray  be  very  particular  in  the  choice  of  a 
good  one,  as  it  is  for  our  T.  H.\s  own  use,  in  the  Gout,  about  nine 
or  Ten  Guineas1  Value.  It  is  call'd  an  Eider  down  Quilt  or  Cover 
ing;  a  Bale  of  Crocus  for  Bread  Bags,  7  or  800  yds.,  yd.  wd. ;  i 
Ton  of  Good  Sound  Cheshire  cheese;  10  chests  of  Good  Florence 
Oyle.  Send  none  but  new.  If  the  Bright  goes  to  New  Castle  pray 
order  us  from  thence  Ten  Groce  of  best  Quart  Champaign  Bottles, 
for  own  use,  to  be  well  pack'd  in  Basketts. 

But  a  few  more  letters  are  recorded  during  the  month, 
and  there  follow  several  blank  pages  suggestive  of  the 
silence  in  the  leading  business  house  of  the  province. 
The  senior  member,  Thomas  Hancock,  died  on  Aug.  i, 
from  apoplexy,  being  attacked  while  at  Old  State  House, 
where  he  was  serving  as  one  of  his  Majesty's  council. 

The  funeral  of  Thomas  Hancock  was  a  ceremony  in 
keeping  with  the  times,  when  gloves  and  rings  were 
freely  given,  according  to  the  rank  and  estate  of  the 
deceased.  There  was  observed  on  this  occasion,  the 


FUNERAL    CUSTOMS  45 

custom  of  hanging  the  escutcheon  of  a  deceased  head 
of  a  family  from  the  window  or  over  the  entrance  of  his 
dwelling  when  the  funeral  ceremony  was  to  begin. 

The  manner  in  which  a  house  was  prepared  for  a 
funeral  is  thus  described  by  Mrs.  Stowe  in  "  Old  Town 
Folks  :"- 

"  It  was  a  doctrine  of  these  good  old  times,  no  less  than  of  many 
in  our  present  days,  that  a  house  invaded  by  death  should  be  made 
as  forlorn  as  hands  could  make  it.  It  should  be  rendered  as  cold 
and  stiff,  as  unnatural,  as  dead  and  corpse-like,  as  possible,  by  closed 
shutters,  looking-glasses  pinned  up  in  white  sheets,  and  the  lock- 
ing-up  and  out  of  sight  of  any  pleasant  little  familiar  object  which 
would  be  thought  out  of  place  in  a  sepulchre." 

The  funeral  of  Thomas  Hancock  was  the  last  when 
the  extremes  of  custom,  in  the  way  of  mourning-badges, 
were  observed. 

The  people  of  Boston  decided  upon  a  non-importation 
system,  to  effect  which  they  decided  to  abolish  the  ex 
pensive  costumes,  as  well  as  many  other  things. 

The  plan  went  into  effect,  and  was  demonstrated  at 
the  funeral  of  a  noted  man,  who  died  soon  after  Mr. 
Hancock. 

It  seems  to  have  been  a  carefully  studied  plan  of  Mr. 
Hancock  that  his  death  should  occasion  no  interruption 
in  the  business  of  the  firm. 

As  soon  as  the  needful  ceremonies  were  over,  and  the 
legal  steps  for  settlement  of  the  estate  had  been  taken, 
John  Hancock  took  his  pen  to  give  orders  in  his  own 
name. 

His  uncle  had  given  him  a  large  share  of  his  fortune 
of  about  seventy  thousand  pounds  sterling,  and  he  was 
prepared  to  continue  the  business,  and  to  extend  it,  as 
may  be  inferred  from  the  following  letter:  — 


46  JOHN  HANCOCK',    HIS  BOOK 

BOSTON,  Angst  jy,  1764. 

GENTN  :  I  now  Inclose  you  Invoice  &  Bill  of  Lading  of  thirty 
one  barrells  &  four  hogsheads  of  potashes  shipt  on  board  the  Eliza 
beth,  Edmd  Wendell  master  to  your  address  which  you  will  dispose 
of  to  the  best  advantage  &  credit  my  account  for  the  produce.  I 
must  desire  you  will  have  it  all  weighed,  &  dispose  of  it  at  the 
smallest  tare  you  can.  I  hope  it  will  meet  a  good  markett. 

Inclosed  is  a  Certificate  from  the  Custom  house  of  the  several 
Cargoes  of  oyl  &  the  whale  bone  referred  to  in  my  Letter  in  C°  wth 
Folger  &  Gardner.  I  cannot  now  be  so  particular  as  I  could  wish, 
being  much  Engaged  &  hurri'd.  Pray  dispatch  the  Boston  Packett 
&  Brig*  Lydia  as  early  as  possible  that  they  may  return  with  a  Load 
of  oyl  — . 

The  whole  of  the  oyl  shipt  to  Your  Markett  this  year  will  Center 
with  You  &  Champion  &  Haley,  £  Buxton  &  Symmes,  &  you  may 
depend  in  the  fall  that  you  will  have  as  much  or  more,  for-  the  plan 
they  have  laid  of  Engrossing  the  whole  oyl,  will  not  Effect,  neither 
shall  it,  for  I  determined  rather  to  increase  than  lessen  my  Concerns 
in  it.  My  visit  to  Nantuckett  was  very  agreeable  &  formed  such 
Connections  as  to  prevent  any  disappointment,  I  can  have  what 
Oyl  I  please  &  of  the  best  men  there,  which  of  course,  takes  from 

the  other  Channell  and  is  very  chagrining  to  Mr.  R h  but  he 

knows  my  mind. 

I  continue  in  the  same  store,  and  propose  carrying  on  the  same 
business  as  with  my  late  Uncle,  by  myself,  of  which  shall  write  you 
more  hereafter.  I  should  be  glad  of  your  opinion  respecting  oyl  & 
Pott  ashes,  whale  bone,  £c.,  &  to  know  your  inclinations  as  to  con 
cerns  in  oyl,  whether  you  would  approve  a  concern  in  more  than 
what  will  load  the  ships  &  Brig's.  Inclosed  you  have  a  Certificate 
of  landing  the  Tea  &  Partridge,  so  long  depending  in  the  Custom 
House. 

You  will  please  to  observe  that  Folger  &  Gardner  settle  with 
You  for  the  third  of  Cash  of  all  the  Cargoes  except  the  Brigt  Lydia's 
Cargo,  which  I  shall  settle,  &  your  third  of  sd  Cargo  being  ^779. 
13.  3.  sterFg.  You  will  please  to  carry  to  the  credit  of  T.  H.  &  Co. 
&  I  have  accordingly  chg'd  it  to  you  £  you  will  credit  s<l  account 
with  one  third  the  produce  of  all  the  Cargoes  of  oyl  &c. 

I  am  apply'd  to  by  M»"-  Timothy  Fitch  and  the  Parents  of  David 
McCloud  to  undertake  to  get  him  released  and  Mr.  Fitch  will  reim 
burse  the  Expence. 

I  must  desire  the  favor  You  will  please  to  write  over  to  Brest  to 


NANTUCKET  MERCHANTS  47 

know  if  he  be  there,  and  if  he  is,  that  You  use  your  best  Endeavour 
to  obtain  his  Release  on  the  best  terms  you  can,  the  Ransom  is 
^200.  sterFg,  &  no  doubt  some  Expences  to  pay,  which  pray  En 
deavour  may  be  as  moderate  as  possible  £  I  must  desire  You  will 
please  to  order  it  to  be  paid  as  soon  as  possible,  and  charge  to  my 
account.  Send  me  the  amount  with  all  charges  that  I  may  receive 
it  of  Mr.  Fitch. 

I  must  further  desire  that  when  he  is  released  You  would  procure 
him  a  passage  to  this  place,  if  any  vessel  of  mine  in  the  River,  I 
would  give  him  his  passage  in  her.  Pray  get  him  released  imme 
diately. 

I  must  beg  leave  to  Referr  to  my  next,  for  what  I  have  further  to 
say,  and  am  with  the  greatest  respect 

Gentn 

Your  most  obedt.  Servt. 

The  cost  of  Brigt  Lydia  and  Expences  of  Boston  Packett  shall 
be  sent  by  next. 

To  MESSRS.  BARNARD  &  HARRISON. 

Again,  to  same  agents,  Mr.  Hancock  says  :  — 

We  shall  be  glad  You  will  be  Explicit  in  Your  opinion  respect 
ing  oyl  &  whether  You  would  chuse  a  Concern  in  more  than  what 
will  load  the  Ship  and  Brig.  The  whole  of  the  oyl  will  centre 
with  You,  Champion  &  Haley,  and  Buxton  &  Symmes.  You  will 
have  a  large  Quantity  in  the  Fall,  for  we  are  determined  the  plan 
they  have  laid  shall  not  take  effect,  and  should  they  have  any  Con 
versation  with  You  on  the  subject,  pray  be  cautious  how  you  open 
Yourself  to  them  &  keep  them  ignorant  of  our  Concerns,  for  J.  H  is 
determined  to  pursue  this  business,  which  takes  from  the  Channel 
of  R — h  and  Centres  it  with  you.  Pray,  in  all  Your  Letters  inform 
us  what  you  can  of  oyl  &c.  &  be  frequent  in  your  advices,  this  may 
be  of  use  to  us. 

We  have  not  to  add  but  that  we  are  with  much  respect, 

Gent"  Your  most  obedt    Servts. 

On  Aug.  20  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  Matthew  Wood- 
ford,  Esq.,  informing  him  of  the  death  of  his  uncle,  of 
his  intention  to  continue  the  business,  and  his  desire  to 
continue  supplying  the  garrisons  at  Nova  Scotia.  He 


48  fOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

keeps  a  sharp  lookout  for  the  conditions  of  the  market 
in  oil,  and  writes  his  London  agents  on  Oct.  10,  1764  :  — 

I  was  a  little  surprized  that  Champion  &  Haley  should  get  for 
the  oyl  in  Coffin  ^29,  &  ours  but  £27.  I  dou't  not  youV  doing  your 
utmost,  but  such  things  are  apt  to  give  a  Prejudice  to  some  People, 
but  you  may  depend  I  shall  always  do  my  utmost  for  the  Interests 
of  Your  house  in  all  respects.  I  must  beg  at  all  events  You  will 
send  me  the  Co.  Accounts  settled.  I  long  e'er  now  Expected  the 
sales  of  the  oyl,  &  pray  close  those  accounts  as  soon  as  possible. 

Mr.  Hancock  notifies  Barnard  &  Harrison  that  he 
has  drawn  bills  on  them  in  favor  of  several  gentlemen, 
amounting  to  ,£3,668.  This  was  done  between  Sept.  24 
and  Oct.  1 2,  showing  that  he  did  somewhat  of  an  exten 
sive  banking  business  together  with  his  other  branches. 

The  list  of  names  is  of  interest,  as  among  them  are 
men  who  were  prominent  in  Boston's  affairs  of  that 
time  and  during  later  years  :  — 

Thomas  Amory,  who  built  a  stately  edifice  at  the  corner  of  Park 

and  Beacon  Streets. 
Samuel  Abbott. 
William  Bowes,  a  cousin  of  John  Hancock,  of  whom  more  will 

be  said. 

Burnell  &  Barker,  a  Nantucket  firm. 
John  Cunningham. 
Samuel  Eliot,  a  reformer  in  the  Fire  Department  and  a  dealer 

in  dry  goods  in  Dock  Square. 
Royal  Tyler,  Esq.,  one  of  a  young  men's  club    in  1777-1778. 

They  had  a  room  at  the  corner  of  Court  and  Brattle  Streets, 

where  they  met  and  discussed  politics,  literature,  and  war 

(says  Drake). 
Benjamin  Clark  was    one    of  the  company  who  threw  the  tea 

overboard. 
Christopher  Clark,  one  of  fifty  principal  merchants  who  charged 

crown  officers  with  appropriating  to  their  own  use  moneys 

belonging  to  the  Province. 


GROUP   OF  OLD   BOSTON  MERCHANTS  49 

William  Gray,  familiarly  known  as  "  Billy/' was  a  man  of  mercan 
tile  eminence,  and  the  largest  ship-owner  in  America. 

John  Appleton  and  Nathaniel  Appleton,  names  familiar  to  Boston 
society. 

Rufus  Green,  an  officer  in  Trinity  Church. 

J.  and  I).  Waldo. 

Mr.  Hancock  renewed  the  contract  for  supplying  the 
garrison  ;  shipped  to  London  agents  a  cargo  of  oil  by 
the  Tuton,  Thomas  Robson,  master,  and  on  the  25th 
of  October  wrote  to  Barnard  &  Harrison  thus :  — 

Since  my  last  I  am  favoured  with  yours  &  Capt§  Diney,  Bruce 
&  Marshall.  The  latter  arrived  Yesterday.  Bruce  got  here  four 
days  before  Marshall.  Your's  by  the  Boston  Packett.  InclosVl 
Inv°  &  Bill  of  Lading  of  the  Goods  on  board  him  ;  but  was  greatly 
disappointed  in  not  having  all  the  things  wrote  for,  particularly  the 
Lemons  &  oyl,  which  would  come  to  a  very  good  Markett  I  beg  you 
would  at  all  times  be  careful  to  send  all  my  Goods  at  the  first  opp'y, 
as  it  makes  a  great  odds  in  the  sale.  You  also  neglected  the  Eider 
down  Quilt  £  many  other  things  which  if  you  do  not  send  by  Scott 
will  be  a  great  disappointment  to  me.  I  am  also  at  a  Loss,  to  ac 
count  why  my  Hemp  £  Beer  &  many  other  things  should  be  omitted 
in  my  own  ship  &  others  have  the  preference  wch  is  certainly  now 
the  case,  £  I  must  insist  upon  it  that  in  future  none  of  my  goods  be 
turned  aside  for  any  others  whatever  for  the  disappointment  to  me 
is  greater  than  if  even  I  was  oblig'd  to  pay  a  double  freight,  but 
perhaps  you  may  have  reasons  for  this  but  to  me  it  appears  pretty 
extraordinary.  The  dispatch  you  gave  to  the  ships  is  very  agreeable. 
You  may  depend  she  will  be  immediately  returned  to  you  with  a 
good  Cargo  of  Oyl 

I  am  with  perfect  Esteem 

Gent"    Your  most  obedt  Serv'. 

It  will  be  noticed  that  Mr.  Hancock  speaks  of  his 
vessels  by  the  names  of  the  commanders.  This  was  an 
idiom  of  the  day  in  common  use  by  all  merchants,  and 
is  noticed  in  the  literature  of  the  time. 

It  is  also  noticeable  that  while  great  care  was  taken  to 


50  JOHAT  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

secure  insurance  on  vessels  and  cargoes,  it  was  all  done 
in  England,  which  must  have  been  an  added  disadvan 
tage  in  the  conduct  of  business. 

Although  the  general  system  of  insurance  may  be 
traced  back  for  several  centuries  in  England,  its  adop 
tion  in  this  country  is  of  a  comparatively  recent  date. 
Mr.  Joseph  Marion  established  an  insurance  office  in 
Boston  as  early  as  1724,  but  he  met  with  little  encour 
agement  for  many  years.  While  the  commercial  rela 
tions  of  the  colony  were  confined  closely  to  trade  be 
tween  it  and  the  mother  country,  it  was  evidently 
thought  best  to  obtain  the  needed  insurance  upon  the 
vessels  making  transatlantic  voyages  in  the  insurance 
associations  of  England. 


EFFORT   TO    COLLECT  BILLS  IN  LONDON          51 


CHAPTER    VII 

EFFORT  TO  COLLECT  KILLS  IN  LONDON.  JOHN  HANCOCK 
AIDS  RELATIVES  AND  FRIENDS.  AN  EYE  FOR  BUSINESS. 
IN  QUARANTINE.  RESOLVES  TO  DO  NO  MORE  BUSINESS 
ON  SHARES.  WATCHES  COMPETITORS.  SMALL-POX  INJURES 
BUSINESS.  SENDS  TO  LONDON  FOR  SHOES.  HIS  BOSTON 
SHOEMAKER.  SENDS  FOR  SEA-COALS,  TEA,  HEMP,  ETC. 

IN  a  letter  of  Nov.  17,  1764,  to  Barnard  &  Harrison, 
Mr.  Hancock  writes:  — 

I  should  be  very  glad  you  would  give  some  attention  to  recover 
payment  of  the  Bills  long  ago  remitted  you  by  my  late  uncle.  Say 
Govr.1  Shirleys  Bill  &  many  others,  if  you  can  obtain  payment 
thereof,  or  use  your  influence,  shall  take  it  a  favour.  I  beg  your 
opinion,  whether  it  is  probable  they  will  ever  be  paid.  I  should  be 
glad  you  would  give  me  some  advice  as  to  the  circumstances  of 
Admiral  Knowles,  as  he  is  indebted  to  my  late  uncle  ^300  steiTg. 

I  have  given  a  letter  to  Messrs.  Blanchard  &  Hancock  (the  latter 
a  brother  of  mine,  who  declined  staying  with  me  and  chose  the 
hardware  business).  Mr.  Blanchard  has  the  character  of  an  hon- 

1  In  1755  William  Shirley  was  made  major-general,  with  the  superin 
tendence  of  military  affairs  in  the  Northern  colonies.  The  loss  of  Oswego 
was  attributed  to  him,  but  he  was  later  exonerated  from  blame.  lie  was 
made  governor  of  the  Bahamas,  and  stayed  from  Boston  until  1769.  It 
was  during  this  absence  that  Mr.  Hancock  endeavored  to  collect  the  bill, 
which  was  doubtful,  as  Governor  Shirley  died  a  poor  man,  March  24, 
1771. 

The  Shirley  and  Hancock  families  were  allied  by  business  and  social 
relations.  When  Colonel  George  Washington  came  to  Boston  in  1756  he 
was  received  at  the  family  residences  of  these  notable  men ;  and  when 
he  came,  in  1775,  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  Continental  army,  he  was 
obliged  to  see  the  Shirley  mansion  used  to  quarter  troops,  while  he  did 
what  he  could  to  protect  both  houses, 


5-2  JO  UN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

est,  industrious  man,  &  I  prevail'd  on  him  to  take  my  brother  into 
partnership ;  they  write  you  for  goods  by  my  desire.  I  think  you 
are  safe  with  them,  however,  I  will  be  answerable  to  you  for  five 
hundred  pounds  steiTg  on  their  accounts  and  shall  give  them  a  bill 


for  that  sum  ;  hereafter  you  will  use  your  judgment  as  to  a  farther 
concern  with  them  beyond  the  ^500,  as  I  shall  not  be  answerable 
for  any  more.  Mr.  Aurthur  Savage1  is  Passenger  in  Marshall,  his 


1  Drake  says  :   "  Arthur  Savage  was  an  officer  of  customs  in  Boston. 
He  is  credited  with  having  had  the  ball  which  killed  General  Warren  at 


HANCOCK  AIDS  RELATIVES  AND   FRIENDS        53 

business  home  is  to  obtain  a  credit  for  goods,  he  is  recommended 
to  me  as  an  honest,  industrious  man,  but  no  great  capital.  His 
friends  have  prevailed  on  me  to  give  him  a  letter  to  you,  which  I 
have  done,  and  further,  if  he  succeeds  and  should  apply  to  you  for 
a  few  goods  I  will  be  accountable  to  you  for  three  hundred  pounds 
&  if  he  does  not  pay  you  in  time  that  amount  1  will  see  you  paid, 
but  I  do  not  mean  by  this  to  strengthen  his  credit  with  you,  so  as 
to  give  him  a  further  supply,  neither  will  I  advise  to  it,  but  when 
you  see  him  you  will  be  able  to  judge  for  yourselves,  and  act  your 
pleasure. 

This  I  do  purely  to  serve  him,  and  at  the  Earnest  request  of  his 
friends.  The  Brigt  (Brigantine)  Lydia  is  not  yet  arrived.  I  wish 
she  may  soon  get  in  as  I  have  all  her  Loading  ready  &  will  dispatch 
her  if  good  weather  in  twenty  days.  I  cant  but  approve  of  Capt. 
Marshalls  conduct  in  every  Respect  &  hope  he  will  Merit  your 
countenance. 

I  have  sent  you  a  large  order  for  Goods.  You  must  be  carefull 
that  they  are  well  chosen  &  best  of  their  kinds.  I  must  beg  that 
the  oznabrigs  now  ordered  may  not  be  purchased  of  the  same  per 
son,  that  the  two  last  parcels,  you  sent  us  were,  for  such  importa 
tions  are  not  to  be  countenanced,  about  a  yard  of  it  outside  very 
good  &  the  remainder  unfit  for  any  use,  that  it  is  turned  upon  my 
hands,  and  I  can  never  sell  it.  Do  be  particular  in  your  orders  for 
the  whole  of  my  goods. 

The  mem°  Inclosed  of  Garden  Seeds  &  Trees  you  will  please  to 
send  by  Marshall. 

I  am  with  perfect  Esteem 
Gent" 

Your  most  obed*  Serv*- 

On  Nov.  17  Mr.  Hancock  notifies  his  London  agents 
that  he  has  shipped  on  board  Boston  Packet,  John  Mar 
shall,  commander,  a  cargo  amounting  to  ,£6,675  17S-  °d- 
lawful  money,  and  adds  :  — 

We  were  obliged  to  leave  out  two  tons  of  fine  bone.  Marshall 
could  not  take  it  on  board,  it  shall  come  in  the  Brig1-  This  we  men- 
Bunker  Hill,  which  he  gave  to  Rev.  William  Montague,  rector  of  Christ 
Church." 


54  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

tion  the  rather  as  you  make  Provision  for  a  Markett,  for  it  will  be 
the  whole  to  come  to  your  Markett  this  season. 
We  are  with  much  Respect 

Your  most  obed*  Serv*- 

J.  H. 
FOLGER  £  GARDNER. 


Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  Messrs.  Wright  &  Gill,  also 
to  Mr.  William  Jones,  informing  them  of  the  death  of 
the  senior  member  of  the  firm,  and  solicits  business  as 
in  the  past. 

He  also  introduces  Messrs.  Blanchard  &  Hancock  to 
these  firms,  also  to  Devonshire  &  Reeve. 

Ebenezer  Hancock  was  the  younger  brother  of  John 
Hancock.  He  was  employed  by  the  firm  ;  but  soon 
after  the  death  of  his  uncle  left  the  situation,  and  set  up 
business  with  Mr.  Blanchard.  Of  Ebenezer  more  here 
after. 

Mr.  Arthur  Savage  and  Mr.  Arthur  Jenkins  were 
both  introduced  to  Barnards  &  Harrison  as  men  worthy 
of  their  confidence. 

Under  date  of  Nov.  23,  1764,  Mr.  Hancock  addresses 
his  London  agents.  He  makes  complaint  of  neglect  on 
their  part,  and  cautions  them  not  to  be  remiss  in  that 
line  aorain.  He  further  adds  :  — 


The  goods  I  have  wrote  for  you  will  please  to  send  £  let  them 
be  marked  I  &  H.  I  wrote  you  that  to  prevent  trouble,  you  might 
charge  the  cost  of  trunk  of  goods  I.  W.  to  my  account,  since  which 
I  have  opened  the  trunk  &  on  examination  find  the  Cambrick  & 
Lawn  very  badly  charged.  So  high  in  Price  &  bad  in  Quality,  that 
unless  you  can  obtain  an  allowance  for  me  I  must  loose  money,  for 
their  Charge  with  the  Duty  I  have  paid  here,  will  be  more  than  I  can 
sell  them  for;  do  think  of  this  &  make  me  an  allowance. 

I  observe  you  have  sold  the  oyl  pr.  Hunter,  the  White  &  Brown 
well  sold,  but  wonder  there  should  be  such  a  difference  in  the  Price 


IN  QUARANTINE  55 

of  whale  oyl  between  your  house  &  Mr.  Lane's.  Mr.  Rowe  l  of  this 
Place  owner  of  Capt.  Hunter,  shipd  some  whale  oyl  at  same  time  of 
Hunter,  and  has  an  account  of  Sales  of  it,  at  ^23.  15^.  and  yours 
only  £21.  the  difference  is  a  handsome  Profit,  but  make  no  doubt 
you  did  your  best. 

I  beg  at  all  events  you  will  use  your  utmost  Endeavours  that 
Marshall  may  be  here  by  the  last  of  March,  fill  up  with  Hemp  for  me 
rather  than  detain  her  with  you.  You  will  have  goods  enough  of 
your  own  I  think  to  give  her  the  quickest  despatch,  nothing  in  my 
power  shall  be  wanting  to  return  her  from  hence. 

I  hope  soon  to  hear  from  you,  being  with  tenders  of  my  best 
Services  £  Sincere  Esteem, 

Gent 

Your  most  obed1  Servt. 

If  those  whose  strongest  impression  of  John  Hancock 
has  been  that  of  pride,  vanity,  and  conceit,  will  read  his 
correspondence  thus  far,  they  will,  at  least,  credit  the 
neglected  man  with  shrewdness  and  acumen  in  business 
transactions,  and  readiness  to  aid  others  less  fortunate 
than  himself.  There  is  no  room  for  doubt  or  uncer 
tainty  as  to  the  slightest  detail  of  each  business  direc 
tion. 

Quarantine  laws  were  rigidly  enforced,  the  small-pox 
being  the  dreaded  scourge  of  the  port.  In  the  following 
letter  we  see  the  annoyance  of  it  to  this  merchant :  — 

1  Mr.  John  Rowe  was  a  prominent  merchant  and  co-worker  with  John 
Hancock  in  the  patriot  party.  Gordon  says  that  it  was  Mr.  John  Rowe 
who  was  suggested  as  a  candidate  for  representative  to  General  Court, 
when  Samuel  Adams  said,  looking  to  the  Hancock  mansion,  "Is  there 
not  another  John  that  may  do  better?"  They  were  both  elected,  and 
served  together  on  many  important  committees  in  succeeding  years. 

Mr.  John  Rowe's  business  extended  to  traffic  in  negro  slaves,  as  wit- 
nesseth  Boston  Post  Boy  of  Dec.  19,  1763.  "Just  imported  and  to  be  sold 
by  John  Rowe  at  his  store,  a  few  likely  negro  boys,  and  two  negro  men 
between  20  and  30  years  of  age.  Also  New  Castle  Coals,  Lisbon  Salt, 
Fyal  wine,  Quart  bottles  by  the  groce,  Hemp,  Russia  and  Ravens  Duck, 
etc." 


56  JOHN  HANCOCK,    111S  BOOK 

BOSTON,  Deer.  6,  1764. 

GENT*  :  I  have  at  last  got  the  Brig  safe  up  to  town,  and  tomorrow 
will  be  clear,  and  next  day  begins  to  take  in  that,  if  the  weather, 
which  at  this  Season  is  very  precarious,  should  hold  good,  I  de 
termine  to  put  her  to  sea  at  farthest  by  2oth  Instant,  and  had  it  not 
been  for  the  unlucky  accident  of  the  Small  Pox,  she  would  have 
been  on  her  way  to  you  by  this.  I  should  be  glad  the  masters 
would  be  carefull,  who  they  take  on  board  as  passengers,  for  this 
misfortune  of  the  Smallpox,  on  board  the  Brig,  was  wholly  owing 
to  a  Negro  Servant  of  Mr.  Williams,  who  had  just  recovered  of 
that  disorder;  this  will  at  least  create  us  an  Expence  of  ^50.  stg.1 
You  will  please  to  order  Insurance  to  be  made  on  Cargo,  of  Brig, 
Lydia,  James  Scott  Master,  as  &  from  Boston  to  London  viz.  on 
oyl,  Bone  &  Freight,  ^3400  sterlg.  in  thirds,  with  you,  Folger  & 
Gardner  &  myself,  at  least  you  will  insure  my  third  &  F  &  G. 
Your  own  you  will  order  as  you  think  proper.  You  will  also 
please  to  insure  ^800.  stg.  on  vessel!,  at  least  you  will  insure  my 
proportion  of  her  at  that  rate.  You  will  act  your  pleasure  as  to 
your  part.  ...  I  am  now  determined  not  to  hold  any  Concerns, 
nor  carry  on  the  whole  of  other  peoples  business,  with  my  Money. 
I  have  long  enough  done  that.  I  am  sorry  that  the  Boston  Packett 
is  under  such  an  incumbrance.  I  would  willingly  take  J.  F.'s  third 
even  at  the  first  cost.  I  am  really  ashamed  to  have  so  many  own 
ers.  I  wish  to  have  her  wholly  between  you  &  I,  and  is  what  I 
shall  attempt  in  the  spring.  You  are  not  sensible  the  trouble  I 
have.  I  have  paid  every  farthing  Cash  for  the  whole  cargo  of  Boston 
Packett,  and  had  it  all  to  provide  as  much  as  if  J.  F.  had  no  con 
nection  with  her,  and  not  one  Cask  of  oyl  from  him  on  board  her, 
which  I  think  is  hard  fate,  and  what  I  can't  submit  to,  for  I  can't  no 
way  advance  my  own  money  and  give  others  the  advantage  of  it, 
and  this  is  not  a  sudden  determination  of  my  own  but  was  what 
my  late  uncle  was  freely  bent  on,  even  if  he  had  sold  the  Boston 
Packett  and  built  another.  .  .  . 

1  When  ordering  negroes  for  domestic  service,  Boston  merchants  were 
careful  to  get  those  who  had  recovered  from  the  small-pox.  In  1739 
Peter  Faneuil  sent  the  following  order  to  his  London  agent :  — 

"  Please  to  buy  from  a  sale  of  fish,  for  me,  for  the  use  of  my  house,  as  likely  a 
straight  negro  lad  as  possibly  you  can,  about  the  age  of  from  12  to  15  years,  and 
if  to  be  done  one  that  has  had  the  small-pox,  who  being  for  my  service,  I  must 
request  the  favor  you  will  let  him  be  one  of  as  tractable  disposition  as  you  can 
find." 


SMALL-POX  INJURES  BUSINESS  $? 

I  will  write  you  fully  by  Scott,  if  Goods  arc  shipt  to  order.  I 
beg  you  will  let  me  know  who  they  are  for,  as  it  will  prevent  much 
trouble.  I  would  also  just  mention  that  many  things  shipt  on  board 
Boston  Packett  to  Newbury,  Salem,  &c.  especially  little  things  are 
a  loss  to  the  Ship  as  that  freight  is  seldom  obtained,  that  the  fewer 
of  these  the  better.  I  also  wonder  that  Rotch  £  others  should  have 
Hemp  on  board  the  Brig  Lydia,  and  mine  omitted,  but  I  will  say 
no  more  of  this.  I  have  opened  my  mind,  &  hope  in  future  I  shall 
not  be  neglected  for  the  sake  of  transient  customers. 

My  best  Comps  attend  you  &  I  am  with  sincere  esteem, 

Gent" 
Your  most  obed.  Servt. 

MESSRS.  BARNARD  &  HARRISON. 

BOSTON,  Deer.  7,  1764. 

GENTN  :  I  have  just  now  receiv'd  your  favour  by  Capt.  Doggett, 
and  am  obliged  to  you  for  your  Expression  of  Condolence  therein. 

Whenever  I  have  occasion  for  any  supplies  from  your  place  you 
may  rely  I  shall  apply  to  you,  as  the  Experiences  my  late  uncle  £  I 
had  of  your  fidelity  &  equity  in  the  Transaction  of  your  Business  will 
induce  me  thereto.  At  present  I  am  in  want  of  only  a  few  articles, 
for  which  I  now  inclose  you  Invoice,  and  you  will  please  to  send 
them  by  first  Conveyance  in  the  Spring,  let  them  be  well  chosen  & 
best  of  their  kind  marked  I.  &  H.  &  charged  to  my  account  for 
which  you  shall  have  a  punctual  payment. 

I  should  be  glad  of  any  occasion  to  render  You  service  and  when 
I  may  be  useful  I  beg  you  will  freely  Command. 

Gent 

Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

The  dullness  of  trade  ye  year  past,  owing  to  the  Small  pox  has 
left  me  a  Stock  of  Goods  for  some  time. 

MESSRS.  DEVONSHIRE  &  REEVES. 

The  postscript  with  which  the  above  concludes  fur 
nishes  a  sidelight  by  which  we  catch  a  glimpse  of  the 
condition  of  the  town  during  the  year  1 764.  Small-pox 
was  so  prevalent  that  it  was  a  time  of  general  depres 
sion.  No  adequate  system  had  been  adopted  for  controll 
ing  the  scourge.  Inoculation  had  not  become  general ; 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


in  fact,  Governor  Bernard,  in  January,  issued  a  proclama 
tion  forbidding  it  until  all  other  means  for  controlling 
the  disease  should  have  failed.  Merchants  and  traders 
removed  their  goods  out  of  town,  and  set  up  business 

elsewhere. 

"Gilbert  Deblois 
did  not  stop  short  of 
Weston,with  his  large 
stock  of  hardware, 
and  had  a  commodi 
ous  shop  and  store 
adjoining  the  house  of 
Mr.  Josiah  Smith,  inn- 
holder,  on  the  Great 
Road  to  Worcester, 
at  the  sign  of  the 
Half  Moon,  near  the 
meeting-house.  He 
had  New  England 
rum  by  the  hogshead, 
barrel,  or  less  quan 
tity,  W.  I.  goods,  etc." 
The  General  Court 
met  at  Cambridge  in 
stead  of  in  Boston  ; 
and  while  there  the 
fire  occurred  that  de 
stroyed  Harvard  Hall,  with  the  library,  etc.  Subse 
quent  letters  will  show  us  that  the  Hancocks  were 
liberal  in  making  up  the  loss. 

On  Dec.  9,  1764,  with  orders  to  his  London  agents 
in  regard  to  insurance  to  be  placed  on  the  brig  Fly,  he 
says  :  — 


OLD   STATE-HOUSE. 


HIS  BOSTON"  S 'HO EM 'A A'A R  59 

I  should  be  much  obliged  if  your  G.  H.  would  be  so  kind  as  to 
ask  Mr.  Brookbank  if  he  has  not  lost  my  measure,  to  make  me  a 
dozen  pairs  of  very  neat  shoes,  which  you  will  please  to  send  me  & 
pray  pay  the  cost,  which  charge  my  acct. 

Doubtless  the  shoes  were  for  special  occasions,  as 
Mr.  Hancock  had  a  shoemaker  in  Boston.  In  a  letter 
of  Dec.  19,  1764,  he  writes  to  London  agents  thus  :  - 

You  have  a  little  mem°  of  Leather  &c.  from  my  shoemaker,  which 
I  would  be  glad  you  would  send  &  charge  to  my  account,  consigned 
to  me,  it  may  be  charged  in  my  Invoice  only  let  the  che'k  of  this 
particular  be  mentioned  in  the  Bill  of  Lading.  Mark  the  Package 
H.  R. 

Other  orders  under  same  date  are  :  — 

10  Tons  best  Petersburg  Braak  Hemp  —  in  half  bundles,  not  to 
be  broke  if  I  pay  more  freight.     Talliers  on  each  Bundle, 
strongly  tied  &  pray  Your  orders  to  Scott  that  they  be  kept 
whole  &  not  broke  on  any  Consideration. 
100  ps  best  and  stout  Russia  Duck. 

If  freight  are  Scarce  You  may  send  me  twenty  or  thirty  chal 
dron  of  Sea  Coals,  if  low. 
6  chests  of  best  Bohea  Tea,  besides  what  I  wrote  for  to  come  in 

Marshall. 
20  chests  of  best  Lisbon  Lemons,  to  come  between  Decks,  to  be 

well  chosen  &  pack'd. 
10  pt  of  very  best  Hyson  Tea  in  Canisters  for  family  use,  pray  let 

it  be  good. 
6  chests  very  best  Florence  oyl  meal. 


I  must  close  as  I  am  determined  to  push  Scott  away,  shall  write 
you  by  Blake  in  about  15  days.     I  hope  soon  to  hear  from  you,  & 

am  with  sincere  Esteem 

Gent 

Your  most-obed.  servt- 

Mr.  Hancock  made  a  specialty  of  "  sea-coals  "  in  his 
retail  trade,  which  may  be  inferred  from  his  advertise- 


6o 


JOHN  JIANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 


ment  of  Dec.  25,  1764.  \Ye  also  learn  that  he  had  a 
store  nearer  the  business  centre  than  his  wharf  The 
location  and  merchandise  are  described  as  follows:  — 

"  Store  No.  4,  at  the  east  end  of  Faneuil  Hall  Market,  a  general 
assortment  of  English  and  India  Goods,  also  choice  Newcastle 
Coals,  and  Irish  Butter,  cheap  for  Cash.  Said  Hancock  desires  those 
persons  who  are  still  indebted  to  the  estate  of  the  late  Hon.  Thomas 
Hancock,  Esq.,  deceased,  to  be  speedy  in  paying  their  respective 
balances  to  prevent  trouble." 


HANCOCK   TABLE   AND    FURNISHINGS   SEEN    IN    OLD 
STATE    HOUSE. 

(Copper  kettle  made  for  Hancock  by  Paul  Revere,  having  "  P.   R. 
stamped   inside  the  cover.) 


KKVENL'K   LAWS  MAKE  BANKRUPTS  6 1 


CHAPTER   VIII 

REVENUE  LAWS  MAKE  BANKRUPTS.  SIR  PETER  WARREN. 
HANCOCK  TRIES  TO  FORM  AN  OIL  TRUST.  JOHN  HAN- 
COCK'S  FINANCIAL  STRAITS.  HANCOCK'S  DINNER  PARTY 
WITH  WILLIAM  ROTCH.  CHOSEN  ON  THE  BOARD  OF  SE 
LECTMEN.  DRAWS  FROM  THE  PROVINCE  TREASURY. 
INVOICE  OF  SILKS. 

THE  determined  opposition  to  the  course  of  the  gov 
ernment  had  a  ruinous  effect  on  the  business  of  Boston 
and  vicinity.  Of  this  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  his  Lon 
don  agents  :  — 

BOSTON,  Jan"1)1  21,  1765. 

GENTN  :  The  great  uneasiness  and  Losses  here  owing  to  the  fail 
ure  of  some  Persons  of  note,  say  Nathl.  Wheelwright  Esq.,  John 
Scollay,  Joseph  Scott  &  some  others  has  put  us  all  into  great  anx 
iety,  as  trade  lias  met  with  a  most  prodigious  shock  &  the  greatest 
losses  to  some  people  thro1  Mr.  Wheelwright's  failure  ever  known 
in  this  part  of  the  world.  I  am  entirely  clear  except  the  Bill  I  sent 
you  of  Scollay's  which  beg  you  would  get  paid.  I  would  advise 
you  to  be  care  full  who  you  trust,  times  are  very  bad  &  precarious 
here  &  take  my  word,  my  good  Friends,  the  times  will  be  worse 
here,  in  short  such  is  the  situation  of  things  here  that  we  do  not 
know  who  is  and  who  not  safe.  I  hope  it  will  stop  but  there's  no 
judging  under  the  present  circumstances  of  tilings.  I  am  very  sorry 
I  have  wrote  for  any  goods,  at  least  for  so  many,  but  I  must  do  the 
best  I  can.  I  hardly  know  who  to  trust. 

1  am  particularly  led  to  write  you  now  on  this  subject,  by  an  Ap 
plication  from  a  neighbor  of  mine,  Mr.  Thomas  Symmes,  who  is 
largely  concerned  in  a  Contract  with  Mr.  Wheelwright  and  a  French 
gentleman  at  Bourcleaux,  the  particular  circumstances  I  refer  you  to 
Mr.  Symmes'  Letter  it  is  for  a  cargo  of  Fish  sold  them,  and  the 
Cash  to  be  remitted  you  by  the  French  Gen'  from  Bordeaux, /or 


62  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Symmes  acco*  the  vessell  is  upon  Symmes  acco",  the  Event  of  this 
depends  upon  the  Circumstances  and  Honour  of  the  French  Gent : 
Mr.  Symmes  writes  you  on  this  Subject,  &  as  I  take  him  to  be  an 
Honest,  industrious  man,  I  am  to  beg  you  will  interest  yourself  in 
this  affair  for  him  £  spare  no  pains  to  Endeavour  to  obtain  Satisfac 
tion  agreeable  to  Contract.  I  am  confident  you  can  be  serviceable 
and  hope  you  will  be  able  to  recover  it  for  him,  as  he  is  greatly  dis 
tressed  and  is  a  large  concern  to  him.  I  apprehend  Exclusive  of 
this  contract  affair  Mr.  Symmes  is  safe,  at  least  he  has  that  Charac 
ter,  he  is  very  active  and  industrious.  I  recommend  his  affairs  to 
you  and  beg  you  will  serve  him  all  you  can.  In  any  concerns  of 
yours  this  way  you  may  rely  on  any  service  in  my  power,  being  with 
esteem  Gent. 

Your  most  obecU  Servt. 

The  affair  of  Wheelwright's  failure  with  such  aggravated  Circum 
stances  is  the  greatest  shock  to  trade  that  ever  happened  here. 

John  Hancock  had  occasion,  in  the  settlement  of  his 
uncle's  estate,  to  write  to  Lady  Warren. 

BOSTON,  January  5,  1765. 

MADAM  :  You  have  undoubtedly  before  this  heard  of  the  mel 
ancholy  event  of  the  death  of  my  late  Uncle  Thomas  Hancock  Esq. 
This  circumstance  has  devolved  the  Settlement  of  his  affairs  upon 
me  and  occasions  my  writing  you  on  the  Subject  of  your  connections 
with  him.  The  Bond  &  Mortgages  of  the  late  S^-  Peter  Warren, 
left  in  his  hands,  the  multiplicity  of  affairs  I  am  concerned  in  puts 
it  out  of  my  power  to  undertake  the  Settlement  of  those  matters. 
That  I  am  to  request  you  wili  be  pleased  to  give  orders  to  some 
Persons  to  receive  the  Bonds  &c.  of  me,  &  at  same  time  impower  the 
same  Gent"  to  settle  the  account  with  me,  &  give  me  a  discharge. 
I  now  inclose  you  the  account  as  it  stands  on  my  late  Uncle's  Books. 
Ballance  due  to  you  ,£47.  19.  4  sterlg.  which  I  am  ready  to  pay  to 
your  order.  I  should  think  some  Gent"  of  the  Law  here  would  be 
most  like  to  forward  the  settlement  of  them,  Robert  Auchmuty  Esq. 
or  James  Otis  Esq.  are  noted  Gent"  of  the  Law,  either  of  them  I 
believe  would  undertake  it  &  think  you  may  rely  on  their  Integrity. 

You  will  please  to  take  this  matter  under  your  consideration  & 
let  me  hear  from  you  on  the  subject. 

I  am  Madam 

Honbie  Lady  Warren  Your  most  obed*-  servt- 

Cavendish  Square,  London. 


PETE  It    WAltltEN  63 

Sir  Peter  Warren,  to  whom  the  reader  has  been  pre 
viously  introduced,  was  the  naval  hero  of  Louisburg. 
He  came  to  Boston  in  1746  with  General  Pepperell  (Sir 
William).  He  was  a  friend  and  business  correspondent 
of  Thomas  Hancock,  whose  hospitality  he  had  fully 
enjoyed.  At  the  time  of  his  death  in  England  there 
was  unsettled  business  in  Boston,  which  was  intrusted 
to  Thomas  Hancock,  as  the  letters  have  revealed.  A 
descendant  of  Sir  Peter  was  General  Joseph  Warren, 
killed  at  the  battle  of  Bunker  Hill. 

On  Feb.  7,  1765,  in  a  letter  to  Barnards  &  Harrison, 
Mr.  Hancock  says  :  — 

I  shall  be  glad  you  will  take  the  trouble  to  overlook  some  late 
Letters  £  be  explicit  in  your  answers,  as  hitherto  we  have  had 
no  reply  &  desire  your  Consideration  thereon  particularly  on  the 
charge  of  a  double  commission  on  the  affair  of  the  Provisions  from 
Ireland,  &  several  other  matters,  referr'd  to  your  determination  to 
all  which  I  Entreat  you  will  make  some  reply. 

I  recVl  the  things  you  shipd-  me  by  Hatch  tho'  some  of  them 
much  out  of  time,  say  the  cheese,  &  oyl,  which  were  to  have  come 
in  the  Brig1  the  cheese  I  lose  money  by,  Having  sold  it  for  less 
than  the  first  cost  &  think  it  Extreme  high  charged  at  least  much 
higher  than  others  had  it  in  the  same  ship.  Mr.  Caleb  Blanchard 
had  a  parcell  at  the  same  time  from  Champion  &  Haley  @,  33  /  &  you 
charged  mine  40 /.  The  difference  is  a  good  profit.  I  think  I  have 
a  right  to  Expect  my  Goods  on  as  good  terms  as  any  one  what 
ever,  &  unless  I  can  have  them  so,  its  not  worth  my  attention.  You 
must  not  let  other  houses  out  do  you,  why  should  there  be  such  a 
difference  in  that  Article  from  your  two  houses?  Do  think  of  it  & 
if  its  a  mistake  give  credit  for  the  over  charge. 

I  am  preparing  all  our  N  Engd  accounts  to  be  transmitted  to 
you,  as  also  the  accounts  of  Sewall  £  Lewis,  which  shall  be  sent 
by  next  Packett  when  I  shall  write  you  fully.  Pray  dispatch  Mar 
shall  as  quick  as  possible  &  you  may  rely  on  my  best  Endeavours 
to  return  him  to  you.  Times  are  very  precarious  here  you  must 
make  the  most  of  your  remittances  as  Money  is  Extremely  Scarce  & 
trade  very  dull.  If  we  are  not  reliev'd  at  home  we  must  live  upon 


64  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

our  own  produce  &  manufactures.  We  are  terribly  burthen'd,  our 
Trade  will  decay,  we  are  really  worth  a  Saving.  I  shall  soon  write 
you  again  &  am  with  great  respect 

Gent., 

your  most  obedt.  servt., 

JNO.  HANCOCK. 


Trusts,  corners,  and  kindred  terms  may  be  regarded 
as  modern  devices  in  trade  ;  but  the  wire-puller  of  to-day 
had  his  progenitor  in  Provincial  Boston.  Mr.  Rotch, 
the  Nantucket  merchant,  had  a  purpose  when  he  dropped 
in  to  chat  with  John  Hancock  ;  and  the  object  of  Han 
cock's  extending  to  his  brother  merchant  an  invitation 
to  dine  with  him  was  that  they  might,  under  more  fa 
vorable  circumstances,  come  to  an  agreement  in  order  to 
control  the  trade  in  oil.  Witness  this  letter  :  — 

BOSTON,  April  ^  1765, 

I  duly  note  what  you  say  of  oyl  and  the  Conversation  you  had 
with  Buxton,  Symes  &  Enderby.  I  wish  their  and  your  determina- 


HANCOCK   TRII-.S    TO   FORM  AN  OIL    TRUST       6$ 

tion  as  to  a  limitation  in  the  price  of  oyl  could  take  effect.  You  do 
not  so  well  know  the  disposition  of  some  of  their  connections  here 
as  I  do,  having  had  frequent  conferences  on  the  Same  Subject,  but 
to  no  Effect.  You  do  not  consider  the  number  of  oyl  Buyers  here 
who,  not  Considering  the  consequences,  Give  any  price  for  oyl  for 
the  sake  of  getting  their  Ships  away,  tho1 1  am  full  in  the  belief  that 
the  number  of  ships  in  the  London  trade  must  soon  be  Lesen'd.  I 
should  be  very  fond  of  keeping  the  price  down,  but  if  others  will 


WILLIAM    ROTCH,    MERCHANT    PRINCE   OF    NANTUCKET. 

give  a  greater  price  I  must  not  have  my  hands  tied.  I  must  either 
sell  my  vessels  or  keep  them  running.  I  shall,  however,  be  better 
able  to  write  you  more  frtlly  by  next  opportunity  as  I  can  know 
more  of  Mr.  Rotch's  plans  and  designs  and  whether  he  is  inclined 
to  be  on  amicable  terms,  tho'  he  this  day  called  upon  me,  and  men 
tioned  what  his  Friends  wrote  and.  that  he  was  disposed  to  Effect 
their  plan,  and  desired  we  might  confer  together  on  the  Subject, 
and  I  appointed  a  day  for  him  to  din?  with  me,  and  no  one  else, 
when  we  shall  talk  matters  over,  after  which  I  will  acquaint  you  the 
Result.  The  West  India  oyl  is  now  coming  in.  I  really  don^t 
know  how  to  act,  it  will  not  do  for  me  to  be  idle  and  let  others  (and 


66  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

R — h)  buy  up,  which  you  may  depend  will  be  the  case  notwithstand 
ing  all  your  attempts  and  plans,  and  even  the  promise  of  some  here, 
but  I  shall  do  my  best,  at  the  same  time  I  imagine  Rotch  must 
load  Deverson  and  Calef,  even  if  oyl  be  much  higher  than  ^14,  &  I 
much  Question  whether  it  will  be  so  low.  But  if  the  price  should 
break  higher  I  must  purchase  sufficient  to  load  Marshall  at  least, 
for  it  is  not  worth  while  to  keep  a  ship  to  make  but  one  voyage  a 
year  however  this  you  may  rely.  I  will  purchase  on  as  good  terms 
as  anyone,  for  you  could  never  intend  that  I  should  not  purchase  at 
any  other  price  than  your  Limits,  that  would  be  giving  the  whole 
advantage  to  others  and  Establishing  their  vessels  in  the  Trade, 
but  I  can  better  write  the  state  of  things  after  I  have  conferred  with 
Mr.  Rotch. 

Capt.  William  Doble  of  this  place  who  is  Connected  in  the  New 
foundland  trade,  and  is  now  going  thither  applied  to  me  to  mention 
him  to  your  house,  he  has  long  been  connected  with  Lane  &  Booth, 
but  has  taken  some  disgust  at  their  conduct,  he  is  largely  con 
nected  in  the  Fish  trade,  and  is  a  man  of  Interest  in  the  Land,  he 
writes  you,  to  whose  Letters  I  refer.  You  may  depend  on  his  En 
gagements  &  I  believe  you  will  find  him  a  profitable  and  agreeable 
Correspondent  on  his  Branch.  You  will  please  to  acquaint  him 
with  your  connections  in  Spain  &  Portugal  as  he  ships  several 
cargoes  thither  yearly. 

I  shall  soon  forward  all  my  accounts.  I  have  been  much  con 
fined  in  the  course  of  the  winter  which  has  prevented  my  closing 
those  accounts.  Do  write  me  particularly  as  often  as  you  can  the 
state  of  things  with  you. 

I  shall  soon  look  for  Marshall,  am  glad  you  are  like  to  return 
Scott  with  a  full  freight  as  soon  as  the  price  of  oyl  Breaks.  I  shall 
then  act  what  I  think  most  for  the  Interest  of  the  whole. 

I  shall  soon  write  you  again  &  am  with  Esteem, 

Your  most  hble  servt- 

Our  Provincial  history  scarcely  affords  an  instance 
where  two  prominent  people,  more  unlike  in  habits  and 
tastes,  sit  at  meat  together.  William  Rotch  was  a  non- 
resistant  Quaker  merchant  of  Nantucket,  and  extensive 
ship-owner,  having  nothing  in  common  with  John  Han 
cock  in  the  line  of  patriotism.  The  Nantucket  of 
1898  holds  exalted  traditions  of  William  Rotch  as  the 


JWAll'S  FROM    THE   PROVINCE    TREASURY         6/ 

soul  of  mercantile  honor.  Mis  store,  built  in  1772,  is 
standing,  owned  by  the  Pacific  Club  (retired  whalemen), 
and  is  in  part  occupied  for  a  custom-house  and  signal- 
station.  There  hangs  in  the  club  building  a  picture  of 
the  "  Boston  Packet  "  fitted  as  a  whale-ship. 

The  financial  condition  of  the  Province  is  well  set 
forth  in  a  letter  from  Mr.  Hancock  to  Barnards  & 
Harrison. 

April  1 8,  1765. 

GENT  :  Last  night  only  I  received  your  favour  of  7th  January 
by  the  Pacquett,  and  duly  note  the  Contents  observe  all  the  Bills  I 
remitted  you  hitherto  advised  of  are  paid ;  wish  to  hear  Scollay's 
Bill  is  paid.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  honouring  my  Bill,  as 
also  those  from  Philad*  could  I  be  so  successful  here  as  to  collect 
only  one  Quarter  of  my  debts,  I  need  not  draw  any  Bills,  but  such 
is  the  scarcity  of  that  article  £  the  Poverty  of  this  country,  that  I 
cannot  place  any  dependence  on  monies  here,  and  suppose  shall  be 
forced  to  draw  farther  Bills,  for  Marshall  &  Scott's  Cargo  unless  I 
should  take  my  money  out  of  the  Treasury,  which  would  be  hard 
fate.  I  shall  however  draw  as  little  as  I  possibly  can,  in  which  case 
you  will  please  to  honour  such  my  Bills  which  shall  be  confined 
as  much  as  possible  to  your  connections.  I  duly  note  the  several 
insurances  You  have  made.  I  am  sorry  MarshaH  had  so  long  a 
passage  to  you.  The  despatch  given  him  here  was  great  and  had 
not  the  Easterly  winds  with  you  sett  in  just  as  they  did  he  would 
have  had  a  very  quick  passage,  but  its  all  for  the  best. 

The  impressions  formed  by  Mr.  Hancock  at  the  little 
dinner  party  could  not  have  been  very  gratifying,  for 
he  soon  writes  to  his  agents  :  — 

I  have  had  a  long  Conference  with  Mr.  Rotch  agreeable  to 
your  desire,  Respecting  oyl  trade.  He  appears  to  be  disposed  to 
be  upon  amicable  terms  and  to  be  aiding  &  tells  me  he  will  strictly 
abide  by  the  instructions  he  has  received  from  Buxton  Symes  & 
Enderby,  how  farr :  Time  can  only  discover.  You  are  not  so  well 
acquainted  with  that  Gent  as  I  am  ;  but  !  will  for  once  try  him, 
which  but  for  your  desire,  I  should  never  have  even  had  a  thought 
of  doing.  I  shall  be  as  circumspect  as  possible  as  to  the  oyl.  I 


68  JOHN  HA  AT  OCA',   HIS  BOOK 

may  purchase  for  Marshall  &  Scott  £  give  him  all  the  despatch  I 
can,  tho'  I  don't  imagine  he  can  depart  hence  till  the  latter  end  of 
June  from  the  present  prospect.  I  sometime  past  wrote  vcu  that  I 
had  used  my  Endeavours  with  Jona.  Burnell  and  Paul  Bunker  of 
Nantuckett  both  wealthy  men,  to  enter  their  Connections  with  you, 
which  they  then  consented  to  do,  and  find  by  your  Letter  it  took 
effect.  You  may  depend  I  shall  not  be  wanting  to  do  your  house 
all  the  kind  offices  I  can,  and  when  an  opening  of  that  kind,  and 
I  am  confident  you  are  safe,  I  shall  not  fail  recommending  your 
house. 

I  observe  the  Adventure  is  coming  to  me  as  yet  have  no  act  of 
her.  She  must  be  in  soon.  I  shall  give  Edwards  all  the  dispatch 
I  can.  I  am  sorry  you  ship'cl  the  Articles  of  Lemons  and  Sallad 
oyl,  the  former  the  town  is  at  present  full  of  and  the  latter  will  not 
fetch  the  first  cost.  I  have  not  been  able  to  sell  the  six  chests  you 
shipd  me  in  Hatch  it  comes  so  much  cheaper  in  another  channel, 
that  you  will  be  well  off  even  to  get  the  first  cost,  however  I  will  do 
the  best  I  can,  and  push  them  off  immediately  at  the  best  price,  as 
to  the  Coals,  it  is  not  the  season  to  dispose  of  them,  that  unless  I 
can  get  a  tolerable  price  for  them,  it  would  be  best  to  store  them, 
but  I  shall  be  better  able  to  determine  that  matter  after  they  are 
arrived,  at  present  no  markett  for  them  I  shall  however  dispose  of 
all  the  other  articles  directly  agreeable  to  your  order,  at  the  highest 
price.  Capt.  Blake  is  no  doubt  with  you  long  ago. 

I  am  obliged  to  you  for  paying  the  Ransom  of  Davd-  McCloud. 
I  wish  to  have  the  whole  charge  as  soon  as  possible  as  Mr.  Timothy 
Fitch  is  to  reimburse  me  the  whole  amount. 

In  addition  to  the  cares  of  his  own  business,  John 
Hancock  had  the  added  responsibility  of  being  one  of 
the  Selectmen  of  Boston.  He  was  chosen  on  that  board 
at  the  town-meeting  of  March,  1765.  His  lamented 
uncle  had  occupied  that  position  for  many  years,  and 
the  honor  was  most  gratefully  transferred  to  the  young 
man.  The  town  early  placed  the  name  of  Thomas 
Hancock  with  that  of  Peter  Faneuil,  for  he  had  by  his 
last  will  made  provision  for  an  asylum  for  the  insane. 
While  encomiums  of  praise  for  the  noble  acts  of  the  de 
ceased  merchant  were  being  sounded  in  the  ears  of  his 


CHOSEN  ON   THE   HOARD    OF  SELECTMEN         69 

nephew,  who  was  carrying  out  his  requests,  there  came 
to  the  busy  man  rumors  of  a  Stamp  Act.  Merchant  ves 
sels  often  brought  items  of  news  from  over  the  ocean 
long  before  any  official  announcement  was  made.  But 
people  were  credulous  of  such  reports,  whether  welcome 
or  otherwise.  The  Stamp  Act  was  passed  on  March  22, 
1765,  and  early  in  April  we  find  John  Hancock  writing 
to  Barnards  &  Harrison,  agents  in  London,  thus  :  — 

1  hear  the  stamp  act  is  like  to  take  place,  it  is  very  cruel,  we 
were  before  much  burthened,  \ve  shall  not  be  able  much  longer  to 
support  trade,  and  in  the  end  Great  Britain  must  feel  the  ill  effects 
of  it.  I  wonder  the  merchants  and  friends  to  America  don't  make 
some  stir  for  us. 

Some  of  the  fortunes  of  a  merchant  are  touched  upon 
in  the  following  letter  to  the  London  agents  :  — 

In  the  course  of  my  connections  in  Trade  here,  I  have  been 
obliged  to  take  a  new  ship  of  about  200  Tons,  she  is  now  ready  to 
Launch  &  every  thing  ready  to  fit  her  away  immediately — Henry 
Smith  —  master.  I  propose  her  to  South  Carolina  &  London  to 
your  address,  when  I  shall  either  order  her  to  be  sold  or  proceed 
to  New  Castle  for  Coals,  at  present  am  undetermin'd  which,  tho1 
rather  think  the  former.  I  shall  soon  write  you  further  respecfg 
her  &  as  to  Insurance. 

If  the  Plan  of  the  Brig  with  Barker  and  us  goes  on  I  propose  to 
call  her  the  Harrison  to  which  imagine  you  will  not  object. 

I  beg  you  will  give  me  the  earliest  advice  as  to  price  of  oyl, 
Whale  Bone,  Pott  ashes  &c.  for  my  government,  and  do  write  me 
by  all  oppy.  Your  frequent  advice  as  to  those  articles  will  always 
be  of  Service. 

You  may  rely  I  shall  use  my  Endeavour  after  Marshall  &  Scotts 
arrival  to  give  them  the  best  dispatch  and  on  the  most  easy  terms  I 
can,  tho'  I  fear  from  the  number  of  ships  in  the  London  trade  &  of 
Consequence  a  number  of  purchasers  that  oyl  will  not  be  so  low  as 
you  expect.  In  the  course  of  another  year,  I  shall  be  at  a  better 
certainty  with  respect  to  oyl  having  concerns  in  general  whaling 
vessels,  with  persons  at  Nantuckett  and  Martha's  Vineyard,  that 


70  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

with  Common  Success  I  may  meet  a  large  Supply  out  of  my  own 
vessels.  I  have  now  four  vessels  and  believe  another  year  shall 
increase  ye  number. 

I  shall  soon  write  you  again,  pray  write  me  by  all  oppy>  &  for 
ward  me  all  our  acotts.  My  best  Complts-  attend  you  £  believe  me 
with  perfect  Esteem. 

Gent"- 

Your  most  obed.  &  most  faithful  serv1- 

J.  H.  best  respects  to  his  particular  friend  Mr.  Harrison,  begs 
his  excuse  for  not  writing  him  by  this,  hopes  he  is  well,  &  will  write 
him  a  long  Letter. 

Mr.  Hancock  writes  a  business  letter  to  London 
agents,  in  part  as  follows  :  — 

BOSTON,  May  13,  1765. 

GF.XT*  :  I  cannot  enlarge  having  money  matters  to  attend  to  just 
now,  shall  soon  write  you  largely.  I  am  ashamed  that  I  have  not 
wrote  your  J.  B.,  with  the  State  of  Sewall  &  Lewis  affairs,  two  things 
have  prevented,  one  is  hurry  and  the  other  a  want  of  receiving  the 
rents,  I  have  a  promise  of  it  when  I  will  remit  it  him.  it  requires 
more  attention,  as  it  was  wholly  conducted  by  my  late  uncle,  and 
the  matter  is  not  so  clear  to  me. 

I  will  soon  as  possible  send  you  all  N.  Engd  matters,  till  time 
will  admit  you  must  Excuse  me.  I  am  heartily  sorry  for  the  great 
Burthen  laid  upon  us,  we  are  not  able  to  bear  all  things,  but  must 
submit  to  higher  powers,  these  Taxes  will  greatly  effect  us,  our 
Trade  will  be  ruined,  and  as  it  is,  its  very  dull —  My  best  respects 
to  you  and  Connections.  I  am  very  truly 

Gent11-  Your  most  faithful  hble.  servt- 

MESSRS  BARNARDS  &  HARRISON. 

From  what  we  have  thus  far  seen  of  John  Hancock's 
letters,  we  must  be  convinced  that  a  commercial  busi 
ness  was  conducted  largely  by  correspondence.  Many 
,  clerks  were  kept  busy  making  copies  of  original  letters, 
there  being  no  labor-saving  device  then  in  use.  The 
exact  date  of  sailing  of  a  vessel  was  not  at  all  times 
easily  determined,  and  letters  were  prepared  and  depos- 


BILL    OF  EXCHANGE 


1  (34% 

I     AK|t 

V  d>. 


72  JOHN  HANCOCK,   //AY   BOOK 

ited,  and  several  were  frequently  sent  in  the  same  vessel 
to  one  agent. 

Under  date  of  May  17,  1765,  John  Hancock  writes  :  - 

I  have  already  wrote  you  by  this  opportunity  since  which  I  have 
the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  Capt.  Edwards  in  the  ship  Ad 
venture  is  arrived  in  a  Passage  of  Five  weeks  from  Cowe.s.  No 
Accou  of  Marshall,  hope  he  will  be  in  soon.  1  am  sorry  to  tell  you 
that  the  prospect  of  the  sale  of  the  Adventures  Cargo  is  very  Indif 
ferent.  1  will  however  do  my  utmost  to  obtain  the  best  price,  but 
believe  I  must  Dispose  of  the  Lemmons  oyl,  Bottles  &  junk  at  pub- 
lick  Auction  :  the  Coals  I  may  get  a  Tolerable  price  for.  This  Ves- 
sell  just  upon  sailing  cant  enlarge,  but  that  I  will  use  my  utmost 
Endeavour  for  your  Interest,  &  Dispatch  the  Ship  to  So.  Carolina 
as  quick  as  possible.  The  ship  must  have  a  new  Foremast  as  her 
old  one  is  entirely  gone. 

I  shall  soon  write  you  again  till  when  I  am, 

Your  Very 


Four  days  later,  to  same  agents,  Mr.  Hancock 
writes  :  — 

The  foregoing  confirm  copy  of  my  last,  since  which  I  have  re 
ceived  your  favours,  by  the  Capt.  Marshall  Jarvis  &  Davis,  £  duly 
note  their  contents.  It  was  very  unlucky  that  Marshall  was  so  long 
delayed  but  there  is  no  help  for  it.  Scott  was  entirely  unloaded 
before  Marshall  arrived.  He  is  now  Floored  with  tar,  waiting  for 
Oyl  on  which  subjct  I  canH  say  any  more  at  present,  not  having  any 
advices  from  Nantct,  since  my  last  to  you.  I  shall  as  soon  as  possible 
dispatch  both  him  and  Marshall  on  the  best  Terms  I  can  in  which 
I  shall  be  very  cautious. 

The  Brig  Fly,  Capt.  Farrah  in  a  Gale  of  wind  put  away  for  the 
West  Indies,  and  arrived  at  Antigua,  and  heard  she  left  that  place 
for  London  on  the  last  of  Feby.  that  suppose  she  is  with  you.  I  fear 
I  shall  be  a  great  Loser  by  her.  You  must  do  the  best  you  can  for 
me,  acted  quite  right  with  the  oyl  men,  you  Contracted  with,  much 
better  than  to  enter  into  the  Law. 

Your  Lemons  by  Edwards  came  in  very  bad  order.  I  fear  they 
will  not  fetch  the  first  cost,  I  shall  dispose  of  them  as  also  all  the 
other  articles  to  the  best  advantage  and  Endeavor  to  act  most  for 
your  Interest  in  all  respects,  which  has  ever  been  my  Study. 


JOHN  IIANCQCKS'S  BUSINESS  STKA1TS  73 

I  am  much  obliged  for  Your  Trouble  in  sending  me  the  man 
Servant,  and  for  the  little  articles  for  my  own  use,  tlu  man  appears 
to  be  a  Sober  man  ;  and  the  articles  very  agreeable,  partic'y,  my 
Silk  Cloths,  a  choice  of  my  own  could  not  have  pleased  me  better, 
you  omitted  six  pair  black  Silk  Hose  which  would  be  glad  you  would 
send  me. 

The  servant  sent  over  to  Mr.  Hancock  was  doubtless 
a  colored  man,  and  was  particularly  for  his  own  service, 
as  Mrs.  Thomas  Hancock  had  a  retinue  of  negroes  willed 
to  her  by  her  husband.  We  are  obliged,  however,  to 
conclude  that  the  New  England  climate  did  not  agree 
with  this  servant,  for  we  read  in  the  Granary  Burying 
Ground,  on  a  moss-covered  slab  :  "  Frank,  servant  of 
John  Hancock,  Esq.,  lies  interred  here,  who  died  23d  of 
Jan.,  17/1."  We  infer  that  this  servant  must  have  been 
faithful  to  his  master  to  have  merited  and  received  this 
memorial  stone,  so  uncommon  at  the  graves  of  that  class 
of  menials.  "  No.  16,  Tomb  of  Hancock,"  was  all  that 
marked  the  merchant's  grave  until  a  very  recent  date. 

I  am  not  a  little  surprized  that  you  lay  so  much  stress  on  my  not 
sending  You  the  Bill  I  mentioned  on  Mr.  Woodford,  and  that  it 
was  a  disappointment  to  you.  I  kept  a  regular  calculation  between 
all  the  Bills  I  drew  on  You,  and  the  Bills  and  other  Remittances 
sent  you  which  at  only  first  cost  of  the  several  cargoes  here,  after 
you  had  paid  all  my  Bills  would  leave  with  you  at  least  2000^  ster 
ling,  and  if  any  Profits  on  the  cargoes,  a  much  larger  Sum,  that  I 
much  wonder  you  should  write  mz  for  remittance.  I  look  upon  it  I 
am  Entitled  to  as  long  credit  for  my  Goods  as  any  Gentleman  in  this 
place,  and  am  at  a  loss  why  I  cannot  carry  on  my  Business  on  as  good 
footing  as  others.  It  is  a  Universal  Rule  here  to  draw  Bills  when 
Cargo  is  shipped,  even  for  the  whole  amount  which  was  not  the  case 
with  me,  for  I  left  a  considerable  Sum  in  your  hands  and  I  look 
upon  it,  Considering  the  Extent  of  my  Business  that  there  is  no 
Market  in  England,  but  would  thank  me  for  my  Business  and  pay 
all  my  Bills,  even  if  a  little  in  advance.  I  am  not  fond  of  any  un 
necessary  disputes,  my  disposition  to  serve  Your  house  is  sincere  & 


74  JOHN  HANCOCK',   HIS  BOOK 

I  think  I  have  somewhat  conducted  thereto  and  I  shall  ever  study 
to  cultivate  our  Friendship  and  promote  Your  Interests,  but  really 
Gentlemen  when  I  find  I  am  wrote  to  in  a  manner  I  think  I  do  not 
deserve,  and  in  Terms  that  I  judge  you  do  not  write  your  other  cor 
respondents,  I  can't  help  being  uneasy,  for  I  will  venture  to  say  no 
one  Person  makes  larger  or  more  timely  remittances  than  I  do. 
This  matter  I  referr  to  you,  &  beg  to  know  why  I  can't  have  as  much 
indulgence  and  Credit,  as  others,  for  I  look  upon  it  that  I  left  Suffi 
cient  in  Your  hands  even  to  discharge  the  cost  of  the  whole  Goods 
by  Marshall. 

However  to  avoid  any  reflections  I  now  inclose  You  Harrison 
Gray's  Bill  of  Exche  on  Jasper  Mauduct,  Esq.  dated  2ist  May  No. 
238.  in  my  favour,  value  Two  Thousand  Pounds  sterling,  When 
paid  You  will  please  to  Credit  my  acco".  therefor,  after  which  I 
beg  I  may  know  the  state  of  my  acco"-  and  that  my  acco".  currt 
may  be  sent  including  every  Charge.  If  you  would  send  my  ac 
count  oftener  I  could  better  judge  &  I  desire  my  accott.  may  come 
every  six  or  nine  months.  I  do  not  want  to  put  any  one  to  the 
Inconvenience  of  advancing  money  for  me. 

I  would  not  have  you  think  that  I  am  disposed  to  enter  into  any 
disputes,  farr  otherwise,  but  should  be  glad  to  establish  myself  a 
little  better  than  I  think  I  am  at  present. 

I  hope  soon  to  hear  from  you.  I  shall  write  you  again  shortly 
when  I  hope  to  be  able  to  be  more  explicit  as  to  oyl.  I  will  dis 
patch  Marshall  and  Scott  as  soon  as  I  can. 

Whenever  I  may  be  usefull  I  beg  you  improve  me.  You  may 
rely  on  my  best  Services.  My  Sincere  wishes  attend  you,  &  believe 
me  with  great  Truth, 

Your  real  &  Faithful  Friend  &  Servant. 

The  above,  like  others,  seems  to  be  a  continuous  letter, 
sent  in  instalments.  In  it  we  find  that  Mr.  Hancock 
has  been  obliged  to  draw  on  his  deposit  with  Harrison 
Gray,  the  Province  treasurer. 

While  John  Hancock  was  struggling  to  keep  peace 
with  his  agents  in  England,  and  safely  conduct  his  ex 
tensive  business  through  the  precarious  times,  the  one 
subject  of  discussion  in  the  town  was  the  arbitrary, 
unconstitutional  innovations  of  Parliament. 


INVOICE    OF  SILKS 


75 


The  town  at  length  adopted  a  letter  of  instructions 
to  their  representatives  in  General  Court,  in  which  they 
spoke  of  the  distress 
of  the  trade  of  the 
Province,  etc. 

On  June  7  Mr. 
Hancock  writes 
again  to  Barnards  & 
Harrison,  tells  them 
of  the  loss  of  the 
lemons,  poor  sale  of 
oil  and  bottles,  and 
of  a  more  fortunate 
disposal  of  the  coals. 
He  concludes  thus  : 


HARRISON    GRAY,    PROVINCE   TREASURER. 
(From  Copley.     Died  1794,  Aged  84.) 
Banished  during  the   Revolution. 


I  should  be  glad  you 
would  give  me  some  ad 
vice  respecting  the  Char 
acter  of  Parson  Griffith 
in  whose  favor  You  drew  a  Bill  on  me.  He  came  over  with  Scott, 
he  has  conducted  badly,  been  detected  in  stealing,  so  that  I  hear 
he  is  in  Gaol.  I  shall  soon  write  you  again  being  now  much  hur 
ried,  can't  add  but  that  I  am, 

Your  very  hble  Serv-t- 


On  the  2/th  inst.  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  London 
agents,  saying  :  — 

I  am  amazed  you  could  send  me  a  Trunk  of  such  silks  & 
charge  to  my  account  without  my  order.  I  opened  them,  and  they 
are  such  colours  as  would  not  Sell  here  to  the  end  of  time.  I  can't 
think  you  chose  them,  or  ever  saw  them  they  are  such  kinds  of  silks 
as  we  never  dealt  in,  and  under  the  present  situation  of  things  dont 
intend  to  be  concerned  in,  besides  their  cost  with  the  additional 
duty  on  each  piece  here  is  more  than  they  would  fetch.  They  are 
very  ill  chosen,  extreme  bad  colours,  very  high  charged,  and  article 


?6  JOHN  HANCOCK,    JUS  HOOK 

in  no  demand  here.  I  have  therefore  come  to  a  resolution  to  return 
them  to  you  by  Marshall. 

The  ship  Adventure,  Capt.  Edwards  will  depart  for  So.  Carolina 
in  two  days. 

The  ship  Boston  Packett,  Capt.  Marshall  will,  I  hope,  depart  for 
London  in  eight  days. 

The  brig  Lydia  will  soon  follow  Marshall.     Her  oyl  is  engaged. 


RIVALRY  BETWEEN  HANCOCK  AND   ROTCH 


CHAPTER  IX 

RIVALRY  BETWEEN  HANCOCK  AND  ROTCH.  JOHN  HANCOCK 
AS  A  FINANCIAL  ADVISER.  TRADE  WITH  MADRID.  COMPAS 
SION  FOR  THE  AGED.  JOHN  HANCOCK'S  SHIP  LIBERTY  AND 
HER  FIRST  COMMUNICATION  TO  LONDON.  STAMP  ACT  A 
CRUEL  HARDSHIP.  STAMPS  ARRIVE.  SEVERE  TREATMENT 
OF  OLIVER  AND  HUTCHINSON.  NEW  BRIG  HARRISON.  JOHN 
HANCOCK  WILL  NOT  BE  A  SLAVE.  HANCOCK  MAKES  A 
RECORD  FOR  POSTERITY. 

THE  rivalry  between  Hancock  and  Rotch  comes  to 
light  in  a  letter  of  July  6,  1765,  in  which  Mr.  Hancock 
writes  to  his  London  agents  :  — 

GENTN  :  The  foregoing  confirm  Copy  of  my  last  since  which  I 
have  none  of  your  favours  this  I  hope  you  will  receive  hy  the  Ship 
Boston  Packett  John  Marshall  Commr.  who  has  been  detained  here 
Contrary  to  my  Expectations,  but  I  have  done  the  utmost  I  possibly 
could  and  considering  the  Situation  of  things  have  succeeded  toler 
ably  well  for  the  whole  of  Mr.  Retch's  Vessells  say  Deverson  & 
Calef  are  detained  for  want  of  oyl  &  they  with  a  Vessell  of  K. 
Quincys  3d  were  up  for  London  before  Marshall  arrived  here.  .  .  . 

I  must  beg  you  will  Excuse  me  at  this  Juncture  that  I  have 
drawn  on  you  as  at  first  it  is  what  I  did  not  intend,  but  really  Gent. 
I  could  no  way  avoid  it  and  desire  you  will  please  to  honour  all  my 
Bills,  out  of  all  my  debts  &  many  dependencies  to  a  large  amount 
I  can  collect  no  money  £  am  reduc'd  to  this  method  of  drawing  to 
raise  Cash  unless  I  should  take  money  out  of  the  Treasury  which 
would  be  hard  Fate  I  doubt  not  but  you  will  readily  answer  them. 
I  shall  get  Scott  away  as  soon  as  possible,  when  I  shall  remit  you 
some  Bills  if  not  disappointed,  however  I  am  always  ready  to  make 
Satisfaction  for  any  advances,  it  is  an  advantage  to  each  of  us  in 
the  End,  as  the  keeping  a  Stock  of  Cash  ready  Commands  a  prefer- 


78  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

ence  as  to  purchases,  and  this  I  cannot  always  Effect  without  occa 
sionally  drawing,  £  almost  the  whole  of  those  bills  rest  with  you. 

The  custom  of  using  the  Province  treasury  as  a  bank 
of  deposit  comes  out  more  clearly  in  a  letter  of  July  6, 
1765:- 

I  am  now  to  acknowledge  the  receipt  of  yours  of  14  Nov.  &  12 
Jany.  and  agreeable  to  your  desire  now  inclose  you  the  State  of  the 
Treasurer's  note  you  left  in  the  care  of  my  late  Uncle.  I  also  inclose 
your  account  as  it  stands  on  his  Books,  by  which  you  will  see  you 
have  Credit  for  the  Cash  received  of  Mr-  Wallace,  and  as  my  late 
Uncle  wrote  you  he  could  not  get  it  into  the  Treasury,  it  has  lain 
ever  since  for  your  order.  You  will  observe  that  the  whole  of  the 
note  becomes  due  next  June,  after  which  time  I  don't  think  it  can 
be  .continued,  as  the  Province  is  in  no  want  of  Cash,  and  they 
have  offer  of  the  loan  of  any  sum  at  five  pr  cent.  I  should  think 
it  would  be  most  for  your  Interest  to  order  it  home,  as  I  could  not 
advise  you  to  put  it  into  the  hands  of  people  here.  I  should  judge 
it  too  precarious.  This,  I  submit  to  you,  and  what  ever  Resolutions 
you  may  take  respect'g  it,  you  may  depend  on  a  punctual  &  cheer 
ful  compliance  from  me.  The  Prize  in  the  New  London  Lottery,  I 
fear  will  never  be  recover'd. 

You  will  please  to  let  me  know  your  determination  about  your 
monies  &  your  orders  shall  be  Executed. 

My  best  wishes  attend  you.  I  am  with  Tender  of  my  best 
Services 

Sir, 

Your  most  obed*-  h^e  Servt- 

Treasurers  Notes  belonging  to  Capt.  David  Allen  left  by  him  in 
the  Care  of  the  late  Thomas  Hancock  Esq.  which  are  now  in  the 
hands  of  John  Hancock  &  lay  on  acco"  &  Risq.  of  sd-  Capt.  Allen, 
viz  — 

One  Note  dated  1  6*h  Feby.  1763  pay*  20  June  1766  ^445 
One  do  "  20  June  1764  "  10  "  1766  140 
One  do  "  30  Mar  1763  "  20  "  1766  123 
One  do  "  6  July  1763  "  20  "  1766  134 


Inst.  on  above  notes  Due  from  the  Dates.  Capt.  David  Allen  of 
the  Royal.     Under  Cover  to  Sr-   Tho.  Willson  Dean  Street,  So  Lo. 


JOHN  HANCOCK  AS  A    FINANCIAL   ADVISER       79 

On  July  21,  1765,  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  London 
agents  thus :  - 

Do  send  me  by  Marshall  six  pounds  best  Hyson  Tea  in  Canisters 
£  i  Doz.  bottles  best  Lavender  Water. 

Again  on  the  same  date  he  writes  :  — 

Since  the  foregoing  agreeable  to  a  former  promise  I  have  been 
obliged  to  draw  on  you  of  this  date  in  favour  of  the  Honble.  Thomas 
Flucker  Esq.1  No.  1 1,  for  ^250.  stg.  which  you  will  please  to  honour 
and  charge  to  my  account. 

I  now  inclose  you  Harrison  Gray  Esqr.2  Bill  on  Jasper  Mauduct 
Esq.  of  the  date  No!  38.  in  my  favour  for  ^1500  stg. 

On  the  following  day,  in  a  letter  to  some  agents,  Mr. 
Hancock  writes  :  — 

McLoud  returned  here  by  way  of  West  Indies.  I  am  much 
obliged  to  you  for  pay'g  his  ransom  the  whole  account  of  which  I 
beg  you  will  forward  me  immediately.  If  you  will  please  to  look 
over  our  late  Co.  Letters  of  19^  Uecr  1763,  you  will  find  we  there 
desired  you  to  remitt  sdMcQoud  at  Brest,  Five  Pounds  Sterling 
and  to  charge  to  our  account,  if  I  am  not  mistaken  You  wrote  us 
you  had  ordered  it  him,  but  to  my  great  Surprize  when  I  asked  the 

1  Hon.  Thomas  Flucker  was  secretary  of  the  Province  under  Governor 
Ilutchinson,  and  continued  to  serve  under  Governor  Gage.     He  lived  in 
Milk  Street.     His  daughter  Lucy  became  the  wife  of  General  Knox.    Mrs. 
Knox  shared  with  the  General  the  privations  of  camp-life  during  the  war, 
wherever  duty  called  him.     She  was  a  lovely  and   highly  accomplished 
woman,  contributing  greatly  to  the  little   female   circle  around  American 
headquarters.  — DRAKE. 

2  Harrison  Gray  was  treasurer  of  the  Province.     He  belonged  to  a  family 
celebrated  as  rope-makers  of  Boston.     He  adhered  to  the  king,  went  away 
with  the  Loyalists  to  Halifax,  and  later  to  London,  where  his  house  was 
the  resort  of  refugees.     The  rhymester  of  the  time  did  not  omit  him :  — 

"  What  Puritan  could  ever  pray 
In  Godlier  tones  than  Treasurer  Gray  ! 
Or  at  town  meetings,  speechifying, 
Could  utter  more  melodious  whine, 
And  shut  his  eyes  and  vent  his  moan, 
Like  owl  afflicted  in  the  sun !  " 


SO  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Young  man  before  his  Father,  whether  he  had  receiv'd  it,  he  told 
me  he  had  not,  and  that  he  never  heard  from  you  till  Your  Letter 
to  him  respecting  his  ransom.  I  then  asked  him  why  he  took  pas 
sage  to  West  Indias  £  he  told  me  he  had  not  wherewith  to  carry 
him  to  London.  You  wrote  me  you  had  ordered  him  a  supply  for 
that  purpose,  he  says  he  tarried  at  Penzance  five  weeks,  wrote 
you  three  Letters  but  had  no  answer  nor  no  Supply. 

I  was  greatly  surprized  at  it,  &  it  really  reflected  great  Careless 
ness  upon  me.  I  as  fully  depended  you  had  sent  the  ^5.  as  also 
the  supplies,  at  Penzance  as  that  the  ransom  was  paid.  I  am  heart 
ily  sorry  for  it,  &  should  be  glad  to  know  the  truth  of  it.  I  had 
rather  lost  more  money  out  of  my  pocket  than  it  should  have  so 
happened  as  I  undertook  it  out  of  Compassion  to  the  old  people  & 
to  serve  them  but  suppose  it  could  not  be  helped. 
I  am  in  haste, 

Gent  Your  Real  Friend. 

The  following  letter  introduces  the  reader  to  a  firm  at 
Madeira  that  becomes  of  interest  as  the  correspondence 

advances  :  — 

BOSTON,  July  23,  1765. 

GENT*  :  The  long  Correspondence  that  Subsisted  between  your 
house  and  my  late  Uncle  (of  whose  sudden  death  you  have  undoubt 
edly  per  this  time  heard),  induces  me  to  apply  to  you  for  my  supply 
of  wine  from  your  place  not  doubting  but  you  will  use  the  same 
judgment  in  your  choice  of  it  as  for  my  late  uncle  who  had  a  high 
opinion  of  your  Fidelity. 

I  am  now,  therefore,  to  desire  you  will  please  to  send  me  by  the 
return  of  this  Vessell  on  the  first  good  opportunity  to  this  place  two 
pipes  of  the  very  best  Madeira  for  my  own  Table.  I  don't  stand  at 
any  price,  let  it  be  good,  I  like  a  rich  wine.  I  need  say  no  more  to 
you  but  that  they  are  for  my  own  use  for  their  cost  you  will  please 
to  draw  Bills  on  Mess.  Barnards  &  Harrison,  Merchts,  in  London 
at  Thirty  days1  Sight,  which  will  be  duly  honour'd  mark  them  H.  & 
I  should  be  glad  you  would  put  some  private  mark  on  the  pipes  ac 
quainting  me  of  the  same  in  your  Letter  as  there  is  danger  of  their 
being  chang'd  among  a  Cargo.  I  wish  you  health  and  happiness 

and  am 

Gent: 

Your  most  obed't  hble  Serv't. 

MESS.  LAMAR,  HILL  &  BISSETT.  at  Madeira. 


JOHN  HANCOCK'S  SHIP  LIBERTY  8  I 

In  a  letter  of  Aug.  16,  1765,  is  seen  the  record  of 
naming  the  vessel  which  stands  out  so  prominently  in 
the  history  of  the  opening  Revolution  :  — 

I  wrote  you  sometime  ago  that  I  had  been  obliged  in  the  course 
of  my  business  to  take  a  new  ship  and  that  I  proposed  her  for  South 
Carolina.  I  have  since  determined  to  load  her  for  London,  and  she 
is  now  loading  fast.  She  is  called  the  Liberty,  Henry  Smith,  Mas 
ter,  and  hope  will  sail  in  20  days  to  you7~address.  Just  as  Scott 
was  fitted  up,  the  oyl  got  in  from  the  River  and  I  thought  it  best  to 
ship  some  early  by  which  means  am  in  hopes  to  obtain  a  tolerable 
price  therefor.  You  shall  be  interested  one-half  if  you  please,  this 
ship  shall  propose  to  you  to  be  sold  and  if  she  will  fetch  a  good 
price,  if  not  to  proceed  to  New  Castle  of  which  more  by  her. 
Whalebone  is  at  3  j £  m°  at  present.  I  am  no  purchaser. 

As  I  am  loading  Smith,  oyl  ready  Money.  I  have  drawn  a  few 
Bills  on  You  as  at  bottom  which  you  will  please  to  honour. 

In  a  letter  of  Aug.  22,  1765,  to  his  London  agents, 
the  undercurrent  of  Mr.  Hancock's  feelings  bursts  forth 
in  the  following  manner  :  — 

I  refer  you  to  the  Newspapers  for  an  account  of  the  proceed'gs 
here  by  which  you  will  see  the  General  disatisfaction  here  on  ac 
count  of  the  Stamp  Act,  which  I  pray  may  never  be  carried  into 
Execution,  it  is  a  Cruel  hardship  upon  us  £  unless  we  are  Redressd 
we  must  be  Ruin'd,  our  Stamp  officer  has  resigned.  I  hope  the 
same  Spirit  will  prevail  throughout  the  whole  Continent,  do  Exert 
yourselves  for  us  and  promote  our  Interest  with  the  Body  of  Mer 
chants  the  fatal  Effects  of  these  Grievances  you  will  very  Sensibly 
feel ;  our  Trade  must  decay  &  indeed  already  is  very  indifferent.  I 
cant  therefore  but  hope  that  we  shall  be  considered,  &  that  some 
will  rise  up  to  exert  themselves  for  us  we  are  worth  saving  but  un 
less  speedily  reliev'd  we  shall  be  past  remedy.  Do  think  of  us. 

It  is  an  interesting  fact  that  on  the  first  voyage  of  the 
ship  Liberty  such  a  message  should  be  taken  to  London. 

In  case  you  should  send  the  Liberty  to  Lisbon  or  New  Castle, 
I  beg  you  would  not  fail  to  keep  her  insur'd  as  &  from  the  several 
ports  to  this  place,  at  least  ^1500  Stg.  on  the  Ship,  this  do  note. 


82  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  have  been  so  Excessively  Busy  since  Scott  sailed  that  I  must 
once  more  &  for  the  last  time  on  this  account,  ask  your  pardon  that 
I  am  not  now  more  Explicit.  I  shall  now  sit  myself  down  as  fast  as 
I  can  to  Compleat  our  accounts,  &  forward  by  Jacobson  who  will 
sail  in  14  days,  you  must  Excuse  me  till  then. 

The  following  articles  please  to  send  £  mark  H.  S. 

•jibs,  deepest  Prussian  blue. 
Slljs.  best  U.  D.  Vermillion. 
s-  white  Copperas. 
.  umber. 

softest  Spanish  white. 
2Gro.  sizvi  Pencils. 

I  am  with  unfeigned  regard 

Gent. 

Your  most  faith  full  £  obliged 
hble  serv1- 

The  state  of  excitement  in  Boston  is  indicated  in  a 
letter  from  Mr.  Hancock  as  follows  :  — 

BOSTON,  Sept.  n,  1765. 

GENT  :  I  have  only  Time  to  tell  you  this,  I  have  drawn  on  you 
two  Bills  viz. 

Ann  Colvill,  No.  22,     £  65 

Roger  Hale,  Esq.         "    23,         100 

which  von  will  please  to  honour. 

I  cannot  write  now,  we  are  terribly  confus'd  here,     if  the  Stamp 
Act  takes  place  we  are  a  gone  people,    do  help  us  all  you  can.     if 
the  ship  stays  will  write  you   further,  have  just  received  yours  by 
Davcrson,  with  inclosures,  not  time  to  examine. 
I  am  in  great  haste, 

Gent. 

Your  hble  servant. 
BARNARDS  £  HARRISON. 

News  was  received  in  Boston  in  July  that  a  quantity 
of  stamped  paper  had  been  shipped  for  America,  and 
early  in  August  a  list  was  published  of  those  who  had 
been  appointed  to  distribute  stamps  in  the  colonies. 


STAAf/'S  AKK1VF. 


FACSIMILE   OF   STAMP. 


The  name  of  Andrew  Oliver  for  Massachusetts  was 
among  them. 

As  the  arrival  of  the  famous 
stamps  was  an  event  of  great 
moment  in  the  Province,  so  the 
letter  which  records  the  fact 
cannot  fail  of  enlisting  the  at 
tention  of  readers : — 

BOSTON,  Sept.  30,  1765. 

GENTN  :  Since  my  last  I  have  re- 
ceiv'd  your  favour  by  Capt.  Hulme 
who  is  arrived  here  with  the  most  dis 
agreeable  Commodity  (say  Stamps) 

that  were  ever  imported  into  this  Country  &  what  it  carry'd  into 
Execution  will  entirely  Stagnate  Trade  here,  for  it  is  universally 
determined  here  never  to  submit  to  it  and  the  principal  merchts  here 
will  by  no  means  carry  on  Business  under  a  Stamp,  we  are  in  the 
utmost  Confusion  here  and  shall  be  more  so  after  the  first  of  No 
vember  &  nothing,  but  the  repeal  of  the  act  will  righten,  the  Conse 
quence  of  its  taking  place  here  will  be  bad,  &  attended  with  many 
troubles,  &  I  believe  may  say  more  fatal  to  you  than  us.  for  God's 
Sake  use  your  Interest  to  relieve  us.  I  dread  the  Event. 

I  have  now  a  call  to  sett  out  immediately  to  the  Southward  where 
I  shall  be  some  time  gone  on  my  return  will  do  the  needfull. 

I  have  now  only  time  to  inclose  you  B  Gerrish"s  Bill  on  Channy 
Townsend  in  my  favour  for  ^339.  14.  5  stlg.  when  paid  Credit  my 
amount  therefor  I  have  not  yet  had  time  to  Examine  the  acct.  in- 
closVl.  My  best  wishes  attend  you  &  I  am  in  hast. 

Your  Real  Friend. 

MESS.  BARNARDS  &  HARRISON. 

With  this  spirit,  which  is  breathed  forth  in  every 
letter  penned  to  his  agents  abroad,  we  find  this  young 
man  in  the  town-meeting  of  Sept.  12,  when  there  is 
considered  in  Faneuil  Hall  the  article,  "  To  confer  upon 
such  measures  as  shall  appear  necessary  to  be  taken  in 
consequence  of  the  Stamp  Act  and  other  matters  of 


84  JOHN  HANCOCK,  ins  BOOK 

Grievance,  and  to  determine  whether  Instructions  shall 
be  given  to  the  Representatives  of  the  Town  in  General 
Assembly  for  their  Conduct  at  this  very  alarming  Cricis." 
It  was  voted  that  instructions  be  given,  and  John  Han 
cock,  as  a  selectman,  was  one  of  the  committee  for  that 
purpose  ;  this  work  was  faithfully  done,  and  our  young 
friend  was  full  of  the  spirit  of  the  lengthy  document. 
They  also  chose  a  committee  to  draw  up  an:l  transmit  a 
vote  of  thanks  to  those  members  of  Parliament  who  had 
labored  in  opposition  to  the  Stamp  Act. 

At  a  town-meeting  on  the  2/th  inst.,  to  choose  a  rep 
resentative  to  the  General  Court,  in  place  of  Oxenbridge 
Thatcher,  a  prominent  lawyer,  deceased,  John  Hancock 
received  several  votes  ;  but  his  friend  Samuel  Adams 
was  elected.  It  was  at  this  court,  in  session  in  June, 
that  steps  were  taken  which  resulted  in  the  Continen 
tal  Congress.  There  was  great  unrest  throughout  this 
and  the  other  Provinces.  On  the  i/jth  of  August  there 
had  been  a  decided  outbreak  in  Boston.  The  stamp- 
officer,  Oliver,  was  hanged  in  effigy,  A  company  of 
patriots  assembled,  burned  the  effigy,  and  destroyed  a 
building  in  Kilby  Street,  supposed  to  be  intended  for 
a  stamp-office.  They  then  proceeded  to  vent  their  ill- 
directed  patriotism  by  destroying  the  property  of  Hon. 
Andrew  Oliver.  This  was  followed  on  another  occa 
sion  by  attacking  the  house  of  Lieutenant-Governor 
Hutchinson,  who  was  also  chief  justice.  In  the  mean 
time,  the  governor,  Francis  Bernard,  and  the  council, 
on  Aug.  14,  offered  a  reward  for  the  conviction  of  the 
offenders.  The  town,  in  open  meeting,  put  itself  on 
record  as  entirely  against  any  such  demonstrations. 
John  Hancock  was  aware,  officially  and  otherwise,  of  all 
this  trouble ;  and  he  retired  to  the  seclusion  of  his  office, 


REPRODUCTION  OF  HAA'COCK'S  LETTER  85 

and  wrote  to  his  agents,  Barnards  &  Harrison.  The 
letter  was  dated  Oct.  14,  1765,  and,  after  dwelling  at 
some  length  upon  their  running  accounts,  continued  by 
saying  :  — 

REPRODUCTION    OF    LATTER    PART   OF   THIS    LETTER. 


»*£z*»«*lfi»l 


*,     u/vt^^^  ^ 


nxi  <mu 


86  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  POOK 


isin^rnijlon  .f.<ie/r  ha  f  6v>?uL/. 


t/n,  onu 


, 
V  c/ 

The  new  Brigt  I  set  up  in  thirds  with  you  Barker  &  Burnell  & 
myself,  which  I  have  called  the  Harrison,  I  have  at  length  Dis- 
patch'd.  She  sail'd  for  Nantuckett  nth  Ins*  compleatly  fitted  for 
the  sea,  and  as  pretty  a  Vessell  &  as  well  Executed  as  I  ever  saw  a 
Vessell  &  I  think  tolerable  Dispatch.  I  have  Recommended  to  Bar 
ker  &  Burnell  to  give  her  the  greatest  Dispatch  in  Load'g  &  as 
soon  as  I  hear  from  them  Respecting  the  Cost  of  the  Cargo  I  shall 
write  you  for  Insurance. 

This  Vessell  I  suppose  you  will  Load  back  to  me  in  the  Spring 
if  possible,  wch  tho1  I  question  &  this  Leads  me  to  the  most  mate 
rial  Subject  I  have  Touch'cl  upon  to  you,  I  need  not  Tell  you  I 
mean  the  Stamp  act,  The  Ruin  of  this  people  must  be  the  Conse 
quence  of  this  act's  Taking  place.  Our  Trade  here  will  entirely 
Stagnate,  for  it  is  the  united  Resolution  &  Determination  of  the 
people  here  not  to  Carry  on  Business  under  a  Stamp,  we  shall  be  in 
the  utmost  Confusion,  here  after  the  1st  Novr  &  nothing  but  the 
Repeal  of  the  act  can  retrieve  our  Trade  again,  Persons  who  have 
Vessells  here  may  now  Clear  them  out  before  the  ist  Novr  but  those 
that  may  arrive  after,  must  lay  up  till  the  Resolutions  of  Parliam't  be 
known,  if  not  Repeal'd  you  may  bid  Adieu  to  Remittances  for  the 
past  Goods,  and  Trade  in  future,  your  Debts  cannot  be  Recovered 
here  for  we  shall  have  no  Courts  of  Justice  after  the  ist  Novr  &  I 
now  Tell  you,  &  you  will  find  it  come  to  pass  that  the  people  of 
this  Country  will  never  Suffer  themselves  to  be  made  slaves  of  by  a 
Submission  to  that  D  -  d  act  But  I  shall  now  open  to  you  my  own 
Determinations. 


JOHN  HANCOCK'   ll'/LL   NOT  BE.  A    SLAl'E  8/ 

If  Marshal  &  Scott  or  cither  of  them  (wd»  is  not  very  probable), 
should  arrive  here  before  the  ist  of  Novr  I  can  clear  them  out  Loaded 
or  not  Loaded,  &  \vcl»  I  will  do,  but  if  they  arrive  here  after  that 
date,  I  shall  unload  them,  &  Haul  them  up  so  we  shall  have  no 
Stamp  masr.  nor  Stamps  Suffered  to  be  Distributed  wd»  I  pray  God 
may  ever  be  the  case  my  &  every  Vessell  is  liable  to  be  Seiz'd,  be 
sides  it  is  my  invariable  opinion  that  this  Act  is  unconstitutional  & 
cruel  the  Expense  of  which  we  are  not  able  to  Support ;  that  I  have 
come  to  a  Serious  Resolution  not  to  send  one  Ship  more  to  Sea  nor 
to  have  any  kind  of  Connection  in  Business  under  a  Stamp  ;  that 
you  must  not  have  even  the  Least  Expectation  of  seeing  Marshall 
or  Scott  Return  to  you  this  Fall.  I  have  oylc  now  by  me,  &  the 
Cash  p'd  for  it  sufficient  to  Load  Marshall  but  I  will  sooner  close  the 
whole  than  Submit  to  Take  a  Stamp  —  nay,  I  would  sooner  subject 
myself  to  the  hardest  Labour  for  a  maintenance,  than  carry  on  the 
Business  I  now  do  under  so  great  a  Burthen,  £  I  am  Determin'd  as 
soon  as  I  know  that  they  are  Resolv'd  to  insist  on  this  act  to  Sell 
my  Stock  in  Trade  £  Shut  up  my  Warehouse  Doors  Thus  much  I 
told  our  Govr  the  other  day,  &  is  what  I  am  absolutely  Determin'd 
to  abide  by,  without  some  very  cxtraordr  intervention,  indeed,  wcl> 
is  not  likely  —  I  am  very  sorry  for  this  occasion  of  writing  so  boldly, 
&  of  being  obliged  to  come  to  such  Resolutions,  but  the  Safety  of 
myself  &  the  Country  I  have  the  honor  to  be  a  Native  of  require 
some  Resolutions,  I  am  free  &  Determin'd  to  be  so  I  will  not  will 
ingly  &  quietly  Subject  myself  to  Slavery. 

We  are  a  people  worth  a  saveing  £  our  trade  so  much  to  your  ad 
vantage  worth  keeping  that  it  merits  the  notice  of  those  on  yr  side 
who  have  the  Conduct  of  it  but  to  find  nothing  urg'd  by  the  merchts 
on  your  side  in  our  favour  Really  is  extraordinary,  what  I  have  men 
tioned  seems  at  present  to  be  the  opinion  of  all  here,  £  indeed  must 
unavoidably  be  the  Case  if  they  don't  submit  to  this  Cruel  act, 
w^1  I  now  tell  you  the  whole  Continent  is  so  Rous'd  that  they  will 
never  suffer  any  one  to  Distribute  the  Stamps  —  a  Thousand  Guineas, 
nay  a  much  Larger  sum,  would  be  no  Temptation  to  me  to  be  the 
first  that  should  apply  for  a  Stamp,  for  such  is  the  aversion  of  the 
people  to  the  Stamps,  that  I  should  be  sure  to  Lose  my  property  if 
not  my  Life,  that  Trade  must  of  Course  Stagnate,  &  indeed  all 
kinds  of  Business  and  Navigation  must  cease,  unless  some  Expedi 
ent  be  thought  on  wd»  I  Can't  See  can  Take  place  so  as  to  Remove 
the  Difficulty,  Thus  much  I  thought  to  mention  to  you  to  let  you 
see  some  of  the  ill  Consequences  of  this  act,  and  they  are  What  will 


88  JOHN  HANCOCK,   JUS  BOOK 

greatly  affect  Great  Britian  in  the  End,  and  Trade  once  lost  is  not 
easily  Retrieved,  you  will  not  mention  my  name  particularly  in  those 
matters,  I  write  thus  much  &  pray  you  will  use  your  Influence  for  us 
to  Extricate  us  out  of  our  present  State  —  I  should  now  have  Sent 
my  Demand  for  a  Spring  Supply  of  Goods  to  Come  in  the  Brigt 
Harrison,  but  upon  mature  Deliberation  I  am  Resolv'd  at  least  for 
the  present,  not  to  send  another  Inv°  to  London,  or  Carry  on  any 
Business  in  that  way,  as  under  this  additional  Burthen  of  the  Stamp 
Act  I  cannot  carry  it  on  to  any  profit  and  we  were  before  CrampYl 
in  our  Trade  &  sufficiently  Buithen'd,  that  any  farther  Taxes  must 
Ruin  us.  .  .  . 

I  shall  shortly  Expect  Marshall  here,  I  could  wish  he  might  ar 
rive  before  the  ist  Nov  when  I  can  clear  him  out,  but  otherwise 
he  must  lay  by,  I  will  Sell  you  my  proportion  of  Ship  &  Brig1  & 
others  if  you  can  get  any  one  may  Conduct  them,  for  I  \vill  not  be 
made  a  slave  of  without  my  own  Consent. 

I  shall  soon  write  you  again  &  it  must  be  soon,  with  what  papers 
I  can  get  Ready  for  after  the  ist  Nov  I  suppose  I  shall  not  be  able 
to  iret  a  Letter  to  vou,  as  we  shall  have  no  Vessell  Sail  for  London 

O  * 

after  that  Time. 

I  am  in  great  Haste,  with  Respect 

Your  Sincere  Friend  but  an  enemy  to  the  Stamps. 

PS 

This  Letter  I  propose  to  remain  in  my  Letter  Book  as  a  Stand 
ing  monument  to  posterity  &  my  children  in  particular,  that  I  by 
no  means  consented  to  a  Submission  to  this  Cruel  Act,  &  that  my 
best  Representations  were  not  wantg.  in  the  matter. 

Mr.  Drake,  in  "  History  of  Boston,"  says  of  John 
Hancock,  "  He  was  early  secured  to  the  patriot  side  ; 
and,  once  having  taken  that  elevated  and  enviable  stand, 
he  ever  maintained  it  without  wavering." 

The  tone  of  the  foregoing  letters  would  lead  to  the 
conclusion  that  John  Hancock  was  never  wavering  in 
his  convictions  of  dutyr,  regardless  of  his  great  wealth 
which  was  at  stake. 


PEOPLE  REFUSE    TO    USE   STAMPS  89 


CHAPTER    X 

PEOPLE  REFUSE  TO  USE  STAMPS.  LARGE  TAX  PAID  BY  THE 
HANCOCK  FIRM.  EVIL  FOREBODINGS  OF  NOVEMBER  FIRST. 
SLAVES  IN  THE  COLONIES.  BOSTON  INSTRUCTS  REPRESEN 
TATIVES  IN  GENERAL  COURT.  JOHN  HANCOCK  APPEALS 

TO    HEAVEN.      SENDS    TO  LONDON    FOR    BOOKS A  GIFT    FOR 

HARVARD  COLLEGE.  JOHN  HANCOCK  IN  DESPONDENCY. 
SHIPS  GOODS  WITHOUT  STAMPS.  GOODS  ORDERED  ON  CON 
DITION  OF  THE  REPEAL  OF  THE  STAMP  ACT.  NO  TELE 
PHONE.  RIDES  TO  LEXINGTON. 

THE  stamps  came ;  but  as  there  was  no  one  having 
commission  to  receive  them,  they  were  landed,  by  order 
of  the  Governor,  at  the  Castle.  The  General  Court 
took  no  action  for  distributing  the  stamps,  and  it  was 
generally  understood  that  the  Act  should  be  defeated 
by  refusing  to  use  stamped  paper,  etc.  Merchants  and 
traders  agreed  to  recall  all  unconditional  English  orders 
except  for  sea-coal,  and  a  few  other  bulky  articles,  and 
to  order  none  only  on  condition  of  the  repeal  of  the 
Stamp  Act. 

We  must  suppose  that  John  Hancock  was  in  this 
movement.  Let  us  see  what  he  writes  on  Oct.  21  to 
his  agents,  Barnards  &  Harrison  :  — 

I  hope  Scott  &  Smith  are  safe  with  you.  I  know  not  what  you 
will  do  with  them.  I  refer  them  to  you  and  hope  you  will  be  able 
to  find  some  Employ  for  them  or  they  must  be  sold.  I  have  wrote 
you  my  mind  fully  respecting  our  Situation  and  what  will  be  the 
consequence  of  the  Stamp  Acts  taking  place,  in  short,  Gentlemen, 
we  are  now  groaning  under  Load  of  Debts  the  consequence  of  our 


QO  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

great  exertions  in  the  Late  warr,  a  Debt  I  know  not  when  we  shall 
discharge,  and  to  comfort  us  we  must  have  the  heavy  Burthen  of  a 
Stamp  Act  to  grapple  with  ;  we  are  amazingly  tax'd  here.  1  be 
lieve  I  may  Venture  to  say  that  not  a  man  in  England  in  proportion 
to  estate  pays  the  Tax  that  I  do.  What  would  a  Merchant  in 
London  think  of  paying  ^400  Stlg  aim.  which  my  late  uncle  paid  to 
this  Province  £  county;  his  Taxes  from  the  year  1757  to  1763 
amotd.  to  ^2600  Stg.,  and  I  now  pay  yearly  to  this  Province  & 
county  near  ^300  Sterlg.,  besides  all  duties,  Imposts,  Ministers  £ 
many  other  which  are  additional  Taxes.,  and  pray  do  you  think  we 
ought  to  be  further  Taxed  or  that  we  are  able  to  Support  the  Griev 
ous  Burthen  of  the  Stamp  Act.  No,  Gentlemen,  there  is  not  cash 
enough  here  to  support  it,  and  pray  where  are  we  when  our  Cash  is 
gone  or  indeed  where  will  you  obtain  your  remittances,  certainly  if 
our  Interest  will  not  arouse  the  people  on  your  Side,  your  own  I  trust 
will,  and  once  stop  our  Trade,  you  must  fail  of  your  remittances. 

Next  week  the  first  of  November  comes,  the  consequences  of 
which  will  be  an  entire  stagnation  of  trade.  Navigation  must 
cease,  and  I  hope  eternally  will,  rather  than  submit  to  so  cruel, 
Grievous  and  inhuman  act.  I  speak  for  myself.  I  never  will  carry 
on  Business  under  such  great  disadvantages  &  Burthen.  I  will  not 
be  a  slave.  I  have  a  Right  to  the  Libcrtys  &  Privileges  of  the 
English  Constitution,  &  I  as  an  Englishman  will  enjoy  them.  We 
shall  be  in  a  most  shocking  situation  after  the  ist  of  November,  & 
our  state  entire  confusion,  and  nothing  will  reinstate  us  but  the 
repeal  of  this  act. 

You  cannot  expect  any  orders  for  the  goods  in  the  spring,  at 
least  not  many;  for  my  part  I  shudder  for  the  consequences.  I 
cannot,  however,  but  have  SOITVJ  hopes  that  the  Parliament  will  re 
lieve  us  &give  us  a  free  trade  which  will  enable  us  to  pay  our  Debts 
to  Great  Britian,  where  in  short  all  our  money  centres.  But  with 
out  Trade  we  nor  no  Community  can  submit.  Do  exert  yourselves 
for  us.  It  is  your  own  Interest  as  much  as  ours.  I  hope  Marshall 
will  arrive  before  the  ist  of  November,  otherwise  he  cannot  return 
to  you.  I  have  the  Oyl  by  me.  I  will  sooner  suffer  the  loss  of  it 
than  be  a  slave. 

I  shall  write  you  fully  by  the  going  ship.  Coffin  in  the  schooner 
is  not  arriv'd.  by  him  Expect  to  hear  from  you. 

I  am  in  much  haste,  can't  now  add  but  that  I  am  w'l>  perfect  Es 
teem  Gen1-  Your  faithful  hble  Serv*- 

BARNARDS  &  HARRISON. 


SLAVES  7Ar   THE    COLONIES  9 1 

The  term  "slave"  so  freely  used  by  Mr.  Hancock, 
was  a  common  expression  of  the  time.  In  the  town's 
instructions  to  their  Representatives  in  General  Court, 
we  read,  "  If  taxes  are  laid  upon  us  in  any  shape,  with 
out  our  having  a  legal  representation  where  they  are 
made,  are  we  not  reduced  from  the  character  of  free 
subjects  to  the  miserable  state  of  tributary  slaves?" 

Negro  slavery  was  a  custom  which  prevailed  at  this 
time  very  generally  among  the  more  wealthy  families  of 
the  colony,  especially  in  Boston.  Several  attempts  were 
made  to  put  a  stop  to  it,  but  to  no  avail.  A  Tory  wri 
ter  of  the  time  said  there  were  two  thousand  slaves  in 
Boston. 

The  condition  of  these  negro  menials  may  have  oc 
casioned  the  expression  to  which  reference  is  made. 

In  the  instructions  to  their  Representatives  the  town 
further  proposed  that,  "As  the  Province  still  lies  under 
a  very  grievous  burthen  of  debt,  occasioned  by  the  war 
with  France,  frugality  should  be  strongly  recommended 
as  one  means  of  lessening  the  public  debt,  and  that  the 
necessity  of  continuing  garrisons  on  the  eastern  frontier 
should  be  inquired  into." 

As  we  have  seen,  Mr.  Hancock  was  furnishing  the 
supplies  for  these  garrisons,  but  personal  benefit  was 
set  aside  for  the  promotion  of  the  public  good. 

On  Oct.  28,  1765,  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  his  London 
agents,  saying :  — 

I  could  wish  Marshall  might  he  here  before  the  Ist  Nov-  tlio"  I 
a  little  doubt  it,  If  he  should  be  so  lucky  I  believe  I  could  succeed 
in  Clearing  him  out  before  he  was  Loaded.  I  have  a  sufficiency  of 
Oyle  to  Dispatch  him,  but  I  am  Confident  after  the  Is'  Nov.  there 
must  be  an  Entire  Stagnation  of  Navigation  &c.  which  will  throw 
us  into  amazing  Confusion,  &  will  Continue  unless  this  cruel  Act 
be  Repealed  wd>  if  not  Effected,  we  are  a  Ruined  people,  all  our 


92  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Cash  must  go  to  answer  the  Expenses  of  the  Act,  wch  in  two  or 
three  Years  will  fall  of  itself,  as  there  will  be  no  money  left  to  De 
fray  the  Expenses  of  its  further  Continuance.  But  with  Respect  to 
myself,  I  will  be  the  last  man  that  will  submit  to  Take  one,  1  how 
ever  hope  things  will  not  be  carried  to  such  an  ill  judg'd  extremity 
as  to  Enforce  the  Act,  as  the  fatal  Consequences  of  it  will  be  as 
much  felt  in  the  End,  by  Great  Britain,  as  by  us;  you  can  never 
expect  to  Receive  your  Remittances  from  hence,  &  you  may  depend 
we  shall  be  obliged  to  Live  without  your  Manufactures  wch  strictly 
speaking  we  can  do  without.  You  must  exert  yourselves  for  us  & 
I  hope  soon  to  hear  that  the  Parliament  will  Listen  to  our  Decent 
Remonstrances,  £  not  only  Repeal  this  Act  but  Redress  many  other 
Grievances  we  Labour  under  wch  we  are  not  able  to  support. 

Pray  send  us  good  Tidings,  we  are  £  shall  be  a  very  Distressed 
people,  but  Beg  we  may  be  Reliev'cl. 

I  am  Gent" 

Your  Faithfull  Friend. 

MESSRS.  BARNARDS  £  HARRISON. 

It  is  a  relief  to  the  reader,  as  it  must  have  been  to 
John  Hancock,  to  find  another  subject  besides  that  of 
the  Stamp  Act  occupying  his  mind.  It  appears  in  a 
letter  dated  Oct.  28,  i  765,  to  Thomas  Longman  :  — 

It  is  some  time  since  I  heard  from  you  with  the  Magazines  &c.  wch 
Beg  in  future  you  will  please  to  be  Regular  in  sending.  I  cannot 
tell  the  state  of  my  acco"  with  you.  I  desire  you  will  please  to  call 
on  Mess.  Barnards  &  Harrison  &  Receive  of  them  whatever  Ballance 
may  be  due  to  you.  Give  them  your  Rect.  &  send  me  your  accolt 
Ballanced. 

I  now  inclose  you  a  large  Inv1  of  Books,  which  I  desire  you  will 
please  to  send  me,  packed  in  the  best  manner  and  marked  I.  H.  I 
must  Recommend  to  you  to  be  very  careful  1  in  the  collect  of  these 
Books,  that  they  be  the  best  Editions  &  well  Bound,  &  that  you  be 
particular  in  sending  every  Book  mentioned  in  the  Inclosed  Inv°.  if 
to  be  had  at  any  price.  I  must  also  further  Recommend  to  you  that 
each  £  every  book  be  neatly  Lettered  &  as  there  are  several  Pam 
phlets,  wrote  for  in  this  Inv°>  I  desire  instead  of  their  Coming  in 
pamphlets,  w^  are  apt  to  be  soon  Defaced  by  use,  that  you  will  be 
mindful  to  Bind  as  many  together  as  will  make  a  neat  volume  &  let 


7V   LONDON  FOR   BOOK'S  93 

them  be  all  sent  in  that  way.  Lettering  on  the  Back,  that  they  may 
be  known.  Upon  the  whole,  I  Recommend  to  you  that  the  whole 
of  these  Books  be  very  neat,  well  chosen,  £  Charged  at  the  Lowest 
prices,  as  the  whole  of  these  Books  are  a  present  from  me  to  our 
College  Library  in  Cambridge. 

These  Books,  I  shall  hope  you  will  be  able  to  send  me  in  the 
Spring.  When  ever  they  are  ready  to  ship,  I  desire  you  will  apply 
to  Mess.  Barnards  &  Harrison,  who  will  give  you  Directions  to  Ship 
them,  in  a  Vessel  of  mine.  .  .  .  These  Books  you  will  pack  in 
Trunks  &  consign  them  to  me.  Send  me  Inv°  of  Cost,  £  write  me 
the  Terms  of  Credit  &  you  may  Rely  I  shall  make  you  a  punctual 
Remittance,  therefore,  if  it  does  not  suit  you  to  put  up  these  Books, 
you  will  please  to  Give  this  letter  &  Inv>  to  Barnards  &  Harrison 
who  will  send  them  to  me. 

I  shall  be  glad  of  all  opportunities  to  render  you  or  your  Friends 
any  services  here,  &  am  with  Compliments  to  you  &  Mrs.  Long 
man,  Sir 

Your  most  obed.  Hum  We  Serv-t- 

You  will  acknowledge  the  Rcc*-  of  this  &  pray  use  your  Endeav 
ours  that  the  Books  may  be  sent  in  the  Spring. 

By  a  vote  of  the  President  and  Fellows  of  Harvard 
College,  taken  on  July  15,  1767,  Commencement  Day, 
we  find  that  this  plan  was  carried  out.  John  Hancock 
fulfilled  a  promise  of  his  deceased  uncle  by  giving  books 
to  the  amount  of  ,£500  sterling,  and  also  gave  a  large 
collection  in  his  own  name.  The  college  also  received 
the  sum  of  ,£1000  sterling  by  the  will  of  Thomas  Han 
cock  to  endow  a  professorship  of  the  Oriental  languages. 
The  Hancock  collection,  consisting  of  1,098  volumes,  is 
the  outcome  of  the  above-quoted  letter. 

In  this  country,  where  business  firms  are  frequently 
changing,  it  is  of  interest  to  note  the  continuous  exis 
tence  of  the  Longman  House  in  Paternoster  Row,  Lon 
don.  It  was  established  by  Thomas  Longman  in  1724, 
and  consequently  had  been  in  existence  about  forty 
years  when  John  Hancock  ordered  the  books  for  Har- 


94  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

vard  College ;  and  has  continued  until  the  present  time, 
the  firm  name  being  at  present  Longmans,  Green,  &  Co., 
their  London  address  being  the  same  as  it  was  one 
hundred  and  seventy-two  years  ago  —  Paternoster  Row. 

The  sign  of  the  ship  has  been  in  continuous  use  as  a 
trade-mark  of  the  firm  since  it  served  as  a  sign  under 
which  the  first  Thomas  Longman  did  business,  and 
furnished  books  to  the  dealers  in  Provincial  Boston. 
(Appendix  I.) 

The  second  letter  to  this  firm  is  under  date  of  Nov. 
1 6,  1768.  In  this  Mr.  Hancock  informs  Thomas  Long 
man  that  George  Haley,  his  London  agent,  will  settle 
his  account  with  interest,  "which  is  just,  as  the  bill  has 
been  due  for  an  unreasonably  long  time." 

With  the  many  cares  of  private  and  public  nature 
engrossing  John  Hancock,  he  finds  time  to  attend  to 
business  for  Thomas  Longman.  It  appears  in  the  fol 
lowing  letter  :  — 

BOSTON,  May  i8th,  1770. 

SIR  :  Your  favours  of  Dec.  2d  1769,  &  Jany  3tl  1770  are  now  be 
fore  me,  £  duly  note  the  Contents.  In  Consequence  of  the  Rec'- 
of  the  former,  as  Mr.  Mein  was  absent,  I  immediately  attached 
everything  I  could  find  of  his  Effects  for  the  benefit  of  you  £  Wright 
£  Gill  £  the  matter  is  now  in  the  Law.  The  Effects  are  in  the 
Hands  of  the  Sheriff,  and  as  soon  as  it  has  gone  thro1  the  Law,  £ 
the  Effects  turn'd  into  money,  the  neat  proceeds  shall  be  remitted 
you,  and  you  will  determine  the  settlement  between  you  and  Messrs. 
Wright  &  Gill.  Tho1  I  fear  even  the  Whole  of  his  Effects  will  fall 
vastly  short  of  the  Debts,  but  I  have  got  all  &  could  have  no  more. 

You  will  please,  as  I  am  now  greatly  hurried,  to  present  my  re 
spects  to  Mess  Wright  £  Gill  &  acquaint  them.  I  will  render 
them  every  service  in  my  power  &  will  write  them  by  next  opportu 
nity.  Cannot  You  get  further  Security  of  Mr.  Mein  in  London. 
You  may  rely  I  will  do  all  in  my  power  for  your  Interest  in  this  or 
any  other  matter. 

I  am  with  Great  Respect  Sir, 

MR-  THOMAS  LONGMAN.  Your  most  obed*  Servt- 


MR.  JOHN-  ME  IN.  95 

Mr.  John  Mcin,  above  mentioned,  was  an  extensive 
bookseller  of  the  time  in  Boston.  His  place  was  known 
as  the  London  Bookstore,  and  he  claimed  to  carry  a 
stock  of  ten  thousand  volumes.  He  is  credited  with 
having  established  the  first  circulating-library  in  the 
town.  Drake  says  his  shop  was  on  the  north  corner  of 
what  is  now  Franklin  and  Washington  Streets,  where, 
in  addition  to  books,  he  sold  Irish  linens,  etc.  John  Mein 
was  connected  with  the  publication  of  the  Boston  CJironi- 
clc,  the  first  semi-weekly  in  New  Kn gland.  This  was  an 
organ  of  the  Loyalists,  soon  became  unpopular,  and  was 
suspended  in  1770.  Mein  was  not  in  sympathy  with 
the  patriots,  and  so  conducted  himself  as  to  become 
very  obnoxious.  The  rhymester  of  the  time,  aroused 
by  the  acts  of  this  bookseller,  wrote  the  following  :  — 

Mean  is  the  man,   M n  is  his  name, 

Enough  he's  spread  his  hellish  fame  ; 

Infernal  Furies  hurl  his  soul 

Nine  million  times  from  Pole  to  Pole. 

We  may  infer  that  John  Hancock  did  not  hesitate  to 
act  for  his  London  friends  in  applying  the  law  to  this 
Tory.  On  Nov.  19,  1770,  Mr.  Hancock  wrote  to  Thomas 
Longman  thus :  — 

I  received  Your  Letter,  respecting  Your  action  with  Mr.  John 
Mein,  and  am  now  to  inform  you  that  by  a  law  of  the  Province, 
when  an  Action  is  brought  against  a  man  who  is  out  of  the  Province, 
the  Action  must  be  continued  in  the  inferior  court  six  months.  This 
•was  the  reason  why  the  action  against  Mr.  Mein  was  continued  at 
first  &  when  the  six  months  were  expired,  Mr.  Kent,  the  lawyer, 
appeared  for  Mr.  Mein  at  the  request  of  Mr.  Fleming1  who  had  a 
power  of  attorney  from  Mein,  &  moved  in  Court  that  these  actions 
might  be  continued  three  months  longer,  because  he  said  Mr.  Mein 
had  since  been  arrested  in  London  for  the  same  debt  &  was  a  pris- 

1  John  Flemming,  connected  with  John  Moin  in  publishing.  — DRAKE. 


96  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

oner  in  the  King's  Bench  for  them.  .  .  .  Mr.  Mein  had  no  real 
estate  here,  my  attachments  were  on  the  Shop,  Books  &  the  ma 
terials  in  the  printing  office  which  are  small.  What  the  amount  of 
these  attachments  will  be  it  is  impossible  to  determine,  until  they 
are  sold,  which  can  not  be  until  the  Law  has  had  its  course.  Books 
are  very  dull  sale  here. 

On  Dec.  3,  1770,  Mr.  Hancock  sends  to  Mr.  Thomas 
Longman  for  more  books  for  himself,  and  in  April,  1771, 
writes  the  following  :  — 

SIR:  Your  favr  by  Capt.  Scott,  I  duly  Rec'd  with  the  Box  of 
Books  in  good  order,  as  also  my  accotl>  which  I  shall  soon  order 
you  payment  of.  I  note  what  you  say  Respecting  Mr.  Mein.  His 
conduct  towards  you  is  insufferable,  &  I  am  inform'd,  he  with  his 
associates  have  taken  great  Liberties  with  me,  but  I  Despise  them, 
being  confident  that  their  case  and  false  representations  can  do  me 
no  Injury.  I  wish  I  could  see  a  copy  of  Mein's  affidavit  and  hope 
you  will  be  able  to  obtain  it.  I  think  you  have  acted  very  right 
towards  Mein.  You  have  an  undoubted  claim  to  Security  &  you 
will  find  on  the  settlement  of  the  matter  here,  it  will  fall  vastly  short 
of  their  Expectation  &  manifest  their  suggestion  to  be  utterly 
groundless. 

Nothing  has  occurred  in  Mein's  affairs  since  my  last  to  you  on 
that  subject.  I  am  in  hopes  soon  to  Receive  your  answer  thereto 
with  the  necessary  Inclosures,  as  soon  as  I  am  possess'd  of  them 
you  may  Rely  I  will  prosecute  the  affair  to  the  end. 

I  am  with  Tender's  of  Service  £  Respects,  to  you  &  Mrs.  Long 
man,  Sir 

Your  very  humble  Serv*. 

MR.  THOMAS  LONGMAN. 

Mr.  Hancock  reports  progress  from  time  to  time,  and 
on  Jan.  31,  1772,  writes  :  — 

I  am  now  to  Acquaint  you  that  I  have  Recover'd  final  Judg 
ment  in  your  &  Mess.  Wright  &  Gill  case,  against  Mein  &  Execu 
tion  is  levied  upon  the  Books  &c.  &  the  Appraisers  will  finish  the 
appraisement  this  Day,  after  which  I  will  take  the  most  prudent 
steps  to  convert  the  whole  into  money  &  as  soon  as  Realized  shall 
be  remitted  to  you.  I  am  confident  the  whole  of  Mr.  Mein\s  Effects 
will  fall  vastly  short  of  your  Demands  &  this  I  mentioned  to  you 


7Y//s    HANCOCK  BOOKS 


97 


long  ago  &  Evinces  the  propriety  of  your  Conduct  in  arresting  him 

in  England.     The    Gent"  appraisers 

are  Mr.  Edwards,  Mr.  Knox,  £  Mr. 

Langdon,   all    whom    I    believe    you 

know,  have    been    very   faithfull.      I 

shall  advise  you  as   I  go  on  &  send 

you  the  Catalogue   of   the   Books  & 

everything  relative  to  this  matter. 


CON COR DA 

SACRORUM  lillUJOKUM 


BOOK    TITLE. 


The  Hancock  letters  to  Long 
man  furnish  us  with  evidence 
of  more  ways  in  which  the  po 
litical  state  of  affairs  had  its 
demoralizing  effect.  Mein,  as 
a  poor  debtor,  perhaps  made  so 
by  his  stand  on  public  matters, 
fled  to  London,  where  he  vent 
ed  his  wrath  against  Hancock  and  the  leading  patriots. 

He  was  but  one  among  the 
many  sufferers  who  left  the 
country,  although  with-  less 
means  of  support  than  many 
of  the  Loyalists  possessed. 

The  Hancock  books  are 
found  in  the  different  depart 
ments  of  the  college  library 
at  Cambridge.  In  those  which 
constitute  the  last  gift  may 
be  read  — 

THE    GIFT   OF   THE 

HON.   JOHN    HANCOCK 

BOOK    PLATE  OF    BOSTON, 

RECORDED  JAN.  31,  1774. 

On  Nov.  4,  1765,  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  Devonshire 
&  Reeves  :  — 


98  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

GEXTN  :  I  wrote  you  some  time  ago  for  a  few  articles  wch  no 
doubt  you  will  send.  Those  Articles  I  fear,  will  be  the  last  I  shall 
import  as  our  Grievances  are  so  heavy  &  I  may  say  cruel,  that  Trade 
here  must  Stagnate.  I  flatter  myself,  considering  the  Amazing 
Taxes  we  pay  here  for  the  support  of  Governmt,  that  the  Parliam* 
of  Great  Britian  would  have  been  rather  induced  to  have  relieved 
us,  than  to  have  added  to  our  Burthens.  I  think  I  may  Venture  to 
say  that  not  a  man  in  England,  in  proportion  to  estate  pays  so  great 
a  Tax  as  I  do  &  people  in  general  here  pay  heavier  Taxes  in  pro 
portion  than  the  people  of  England.  We  can  very  ill  support  so 
cruel  an  act  as  the  Stamp  Act.  in  short  there  is  not  a  sufficiency 
of  money  among  us  to  support  it  three  years,  &  what  will  become 
of  us  when  our  Trade  and  money  is  gone?  It  is  such  an  act  as  I 
hope  in  God  will  never  be  executed  here  ;  for  my  own  part,  upon 
Serious  and  mature  consideration,  I  am  invariably  Determined  not 
to  carry  on  business  under  a  stamp,  nor  ever  subject  myself  to  be 
a  slave  without  my  own  Consent.  It  seems  to  be  the  United  Reso 
lutions  of  the  whole  Continent  not  to  submit  to  this  cruel  Act.  The 
consequence  of  its  taking  place  must  be  the  Ruin  of  us.  £  I  think 
we  are  a  people  worth  saving  &  our  Trade  so  advantageous  to  those 
who  Conduct  it  on  your  side  worth  keeping,  I  however  hope  the 
Parliament  from  the  Remonstrances  they  may  Receive  will  Relieve 
us  &  I  hope  soon  to  hear  a  Repeal  of  the  act.  if  not  we  are  a  gone 
people.  Our  Trade  must  cease  &  Great  Britian  will  finally  f6el  the 
Bad  effects.  We  shall  not  be  able  to  take  of  your  Manufactures  & 
we  can  do  without  them  for  my  part  under  such  Burthens.  I  will 
never  Import  a  single  manufacture  of  Great  Britain  nor  carry  on 
my  Business  under  a  Stamp  to  enrich  I  know  not  who.  I  beg  you 
with  the  other  merchts  would  use  your  Influence  to  extricate  us  & 
I  doubt  not  on  such  Representation  we  shall  be  Relieved.  ...  If 
at  any  time  I  may  render  you  or  your  friends  any  service  here,  I 
beg  you  freely  to  Command  me. 

I  am  with  sincere  esteem 

Gent"-  Your  faithful  £  obed.  servt. 

The  foregoing  letter  was  written  while  there  was  fresh 
in  the  mind  of  John  Hancock  the  great  demonstration  of 
Nov.  i,  when  more  effigies  were  hanged,  and  when  bells 
were  tolled,  while  vessels  in  the  harbor  displayed  their 
colors  at  half-mast.  Hancock,  with  other  merchants  who 


HANCOCK  SHIPS   GOODS    WITHOUT  STAMPS       99 

were  getting  vessels  ready  for  sea,  took  out  their  papers 
before  Nov.  i,  regardless  of  the  date  of  use,  thereby 
avoiding  stamped  clearances.  On  Nov.  8,  Governor 
Bernard  prorogued  the  General  Court  to  Jan.  I  5.  But 
a  bill  for  the  relief  of  the  people  was  in  the  hands  of  a 
committee  when  the  court  rose.  The  following  explains 
how  a  vessel  went  to  sea  from  Hancock  wharf  :  — 

BOSTON,  Dec.  21,  1765. 

GENTS  :  This  I  hope  you  will  receive  by  the  ship  Boston  Packet, 
John  Marshall,  conimar.,  which  is  now  fully  loaded  with  oyl,  & 
have  cleared  him  out  at  the  Custom  house,  the  officers  certifying 
that  no  Stamps  are  to  be  had,  which  is  actually  the  case,  &  you  may 
rely  the  people  on  the  Continent  will  never  consent  to  the  Grievous 
imposition  of  the  Stamp  Act.  Our  Custom  house  is  now  open  as 
usual  &  clearance  taken  without  stamps.  That  I  apprehend  there 
will  be  no  risque  on  your  side,  here.  I  am  under  no  apprehensions. 
Should  there  be  any  Difficulty  in  London  as  to  Marshalls  clearance, 
You  will  please  to  represent  the  circumstances  that  no  stamps  could 
be  obtained  and  we  cannot  obtain  a  more  Regular  Clearance.  In 
which  case  I  think  I  am  to  be  justified,  &  am  not  liable  to  a  seizure, 
or  even  run  any  risque  at  all,  as  I  have  taken  the  Step  of  the  Law, 
&  made  application  for  clearance,  &  can  get  no  other.  I  refer  the 
matter  to  you.  if  any  Difficulty  You  will  please  to  make  proper 
Representations,  &  I  have  no  doubt  we  shall  be  justified.  The  Cus 
tom  houses  to  the  Southward  are  open  &  vessells  clear  as  usual, 
the  officers  certifying  that  no  stamps  are  to  be  had.  I  was  a  little 
disappointed  that  you  make  no  mention  however  matters  were  taken 
on  your  side,  &  what  was  yours  &  the  general  opinion  as  to  the 
Stamp  Act,  whether  it  would  be  repealed,  pray  exert  yourself  for 
us,  &  give  us  the  good  tidings,  should  the  repeal  of  the  act  take 
place.  It  will  afford  more  joy  to  America  than  any  Circumstance 
that  has  or  can  happen.  God  grant  us  the  clesir'd  event,  or  we 
are  a  gone  people.  .  .  . 

I  heartily  wish  you  all  happiness,  £  for  the  good  of  the  whole 
I  as  heartily  wish  to  hear  the  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  act. 

I  am  For  Self,  Folger  &  Starbuck 

Gent.  Your  faithful  Friend  &  obed. 

Servant. 


100  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

The  above  letter  was  written  soon  after  the  public 
demonstration  of  Dec.  17,  when  Andrew  Oliver  was 
made  to  appear  under  the  Liberty-tree,  at  the  corner  of 
Essex  and  Washington  Streets,  and  take  his  oath  that 
"  he  had  never  taken  any  measures  to  act  in  the  office 
of  stamp-master,  and  that  he  would  never  do  so,  directly 
or  indirectly."  In  the  company  of  officials  who  wit 
nessed  the  act  was  John  Hancock. 

This  episode  at  the  Liberty-tree  was  but  one  of  many 
experiences  that  occurred  to  hinder  the  young  merchant 
in  preparing  letters  before  the  sailing  of  the  Boston 
Packet.  A  warrant  had  just  been  posted  at  the  Town 
House,  calling  a  town-meeting  ;  and  the  selectmen 
dropped  in  after  business  hours  to  the  Hancock  counting- 
house  to  discuss  the  all-absorbing  topic,  embodied  in  an 
article  of  the  warrant.  It  was  late  in  the  afternoon  of 
that  December  day  ;  and  as  they  drew  around  the  open 
fire,  who  should  enter  but  Samuel  Adams.  The  com 
pany  drew  back  ;  and  the  circle  was  enlarged  to  admit 
another  chair,  placed  by  the  servant,  to  which  the  new 
comer  was  conducted.  It  needed  but  the  light  of  the 
candle  to  reveal  to  all  that  the  last  caller  had  serious 
purposes  in  mind,  for  his  lips  were  never  more  firmly 
set  than  at  this  moment.  The  young  merchant  did  not 
fail  to  extend  a  cordial  greeting  to  Mr.  Adams,  although 
he  had  been  the  successful  candidate  over  him  in  the 
recent  election  of  representatives  to  the  General  Court. 
The  excitement  of  the  hour  was  not  so  great  as  to 
cause  the  merchants  to  forget  the  ordinary  courtesies 
of  society  ;  and  they  all  took  a  pinch  from  Hancock's 
gold  souvenir  box,  and  snuffed  to  the  contempt  of 
George  III. 

"  If    we   pass    that    memorial   to-morrow,"    said    Mr. 


THE   MEMORIAL  ,°  V  >  ^  1O IJ  - 

Adams,  "  we  must  choose  a  committee  of  our  best  legal 
men  to  present  and  enforce  it.  It  is  useless  to  petition 
the  Governor  and  Council  unless  we  have  some  emphasis 
behind  it." 

This  met  with  a  ready  approval  on  the  part  of  each 
of  the  selectmen  and  other  gentlemen  present.  The 
memorial,  roughly  drawn,  was  already  in  the  side  pocket 
of  Mr.  Adams's  snuff -brown  seedy  waistcoat.  It  was 
freely  discussed  before  the  company  left  the  merchant 
to  conclude  his  half-written  letters. 

No  private  business  deterred  Mr.  Hancock  from  a 
prompt  appearance  at  Faneuil  Hall  the  next  morning. 
The  memorial  was  passed  after  a  hot  discussion  on  the 
floor  of  that  famous  building.  It  set  forth  that  the 
Courts  of  Law  had  been  shut  up,  for  which  "no  just 
and  legal  reason  could  be  assigned."  The  petitioners 
"  humbly  "  requested  "  that  his  Excellency  in  Council, 
with  whom  the  executive  power  was  constitutionally 
lodged,  would  give  direction  to  the  several  courts  and 
their  officers,  so  that  under  no  pretence  whatever  they 
might  any  longer  be  deprived  of  that  invaluable  bless 
ing."  They  also  requested  to  be  heard  "  by  their  coun 
cil,  learned  in  the  Law."  As  might  have  been  expected, 
Samuel  Adams  was  placed  at  the  head  of  the  committee 
to  prepare  the  memorial.  Others  were  John  Rowe, 
Thomas  dishing,  John  Hancock,  John  Ruddock,  Sam 
uel  Sewall,  Joshua  Henshaw,  and  Benjamin  Kent.  The 
proposition  of  Samuel  Adams  to  have  counsel  was  read 
ily  adopted  ;  and  Jeremiah  Gridley  and  James  Otis,  with 
John  Adams,  constituted  the  legal  force.  There  were 
not  wanting  those  who,  with  a  spirit  of  satisfaction, 
shook  their  heads  and  said,  "  You  brought  these  things 
on  yourselves,  and  now  you  complain  of  them."  During 


;  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HJS  BOOK 

the  two  days  of  adjournment,  John    Hancock   applied 
himself  to  his  letters. 
To  London  :  — 

I  am  now  to  acquaint  you  that  I  am  one-half  owner  of  the  Brig 
Industry,  with  Paul  Bunker,  gone  to  your  address,  Hezekiah  Bun 
ker  master,  and  you  will  please  to  credit  my  account  with  you  for 
one-half  the  freight  she  may  make,  as  also  credit  my  account  for 
one-half  the  produce  of  Tar,  Pitch,  Oyl,  and  Staves,  &c,  shipped 
by  Paul  Bunker  on  board  sd.  brig.  Since  the  foregoing  was  wrote, 

1  have  the  pleasure  to  acquaint  you  that  the  brig  Lydia,  Captain 
Scott,  arrived  here  the  i$th  instant,  the  only  vessel  from  London 
since  Marshall.     No  account  of  Bruce,   Davis,  Jenkins,  Daverson 
nor  Jarvis,  who  sailed  before  Scott.     Our  brig  Lydia  is  certainly  a 
fine  sailing  vessel  &  very  Lucky.     By  the  Lydia  I  am  favored  with 
yours  of  23d  of  October,  inclosing  Bill  of  Lading  &  Invoice  for  my 
goods  on  board  him.     I  am  extremely  sorry  you  did  not  ship  my 
Lemons  on  Marshall,  as  I  should    then  have  got  60  stg.  &  Box 
whereas,  now  you  have  sent  them  in  Scott,  they  will  not  fetch  me 

2  per  cent.     I  wish  you  would  be  so  good  as  always  to  ship  me  the 
whole  of  my  orders  as  I  have  always  a  reason  for  my  conduct  and 
order  which  is  only  known  to  myself. 

I  note  that  my  Ship  Liberty  was  safe  arrived  with  you,  &  am 
glad  her  cargo  was  like  to  meet  so  good  a  sale.  I  wish  you  may 
be  able  to  get  a  freight  for  the  Liberty  to  some  port  or  other,  & 
I  should  be  glad  for  this  place,  tho1  I  see  no  great  prospect.  I 
wish  I  had  ordered  Fifty  Tons  of  Hemp  in  her  but  I  doubt  not  you 
will  do  your  utmost  for  my  Interest. 

I  have  heretofore  wrote  you  so  largely  &  expressed  my  Senti 
ments  so  freely  on  the  Subject  of  the  Stamp  Act  that  I  think  I  need 
not  add  more  to  convince  you  that  it  is  highly  disagreeable  to  the 
whole  continent,  nay  further  that  they  will  never  submit  to  it.  You 
can  well  judge  from  the  account  you  have  long  e'er  this  Received 
from  America  how  we  are  circumstanced  and  should  have  been  glad 
of  your  opinion  on  the  Subject.  Pray  write  me  by  all  ways  &  oppor 
tunities  how  thins  are  like  to  turn. 


:  letters  give  us  a  glimpse  into  the  cares  of  John 
Handock.  -rfWd;seei'Somowhat  of  the  extent  of  his  for 
eign  utfade,.:whichj  fwibhni  hist  i  domestic  business,  must 


GOODS   OKDEKKD   SUBJECT  TO   KKrKAL    OF  ACrT      1 03 

have  been  very  extensive  ;  and  no  stenographer  sat  at 
his  left  hand  to  catch  his  dictations  between  calls,  but 
very  many  of  his  letters  must  have  been  penned  with 
his  own  hand,  although  an  assistant  may  have  mended 
the  pens. 

Leaving  his  letters  still  open,  John  Hancock  makes 
haste  to  Faneuil  Hall  to  attend  the  adjourned  meeting, 
when  the  report  of  the  legal  committee  is  presented 
and  voted  unsatisfactory,  and  the  meeting  adjourned  to 
Dec.  26.  The  merchant  had  time  to  complete  his  let 
ters.  With  the  heat  of  the  town-meeting  discussion 
upon  him,  and  the  gibes  of  those  who  opposed  the 
action  of  the  town  to  goad  him,  he  takes  his  pen  and 
writes  :  — 

I  can  only  further  say  that  I  pray  your  best  influence  for  us. 
Nothing  will  quiet  and  re-instate  us  hut  the  entire  repeal  of  this 
cruel  Stamp  Act,  and  pray  God  grant  us  that  relief. 

Later  he  writes  :  — 

You  have  my  Invoice  for  my  Spring  supply  of  goods  under  the 
following  limitations,  which  I  insist  that  you  strictly  comply  with, 
viz.  —  In  case  there  is  a  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act,  you  will  please  to 
send  me  by  Marshall  the  several  articles  in  the  inclosed  Invoice. 
Let  them  be  well  chosen,  well  packed,  &  charged  at  the  lowest 
prices,  £  send  every  article,  if  the  Stamp  Act  be  repealed,  but  in 
case  the  Stamp  Act  is  not  repealed,  my  orders  are  that  you  will  not 
upon  any  consideration  ship  me  one  article.  I  have  wrote  for  this 
in  consideration  of  the  United  Resolves  of  not  only  the  Principal 
Merchants  &  Traders  of  this  Town  but  of  those  of  the  other  trading 
towns  of  this  Province,  &  which  I  am  determined  to  abide  by.  I 
will  not  import  one  single  manufacture  of  Great  Britain  unless  this 
grievous  Burthen  be  removed,  and  I  have  further  to  pray  the  favor 
that  if  this  act  be  not  repealed,  you  make  out  and  send  me  all  my 
account  &  what  ever  Balance  may  be  due  to  you  I  will  endeavor  to 
remit  as  soon  as  possible,  as  under  the  Burthen  of  the  Stamp  Act 


104  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  cannot  carry  on  my  business  to  any  advantage  &  I  cannot  be  a 
Slave  to  enrich  Placemen.1 

It  is  not  the  telephone  that  has  occasioned  the  appar 
ent  repetitions  in  the  foregoing  letter,  but  the  calls  of 
such  men  as  Samuel  Adams,  who  only  make  the  writer 
more  determined  ;  and  he  adds  sentences  for  emphasis 
after  each  retires.  Who  that  has  compassion  for  a 
nervous,  overworked  merchant  of  these  days,  during  the 
uncertainty  of  tariff  legislation,  can  fail  to  sympathize 
with  this  young  merchant,  as  in  those  early  months  of 
his  entire  dependence  upon  his  own  judgment,  his  uncle 
being  dead,  he  faces  the  manifold  cares  of  the  Hancock 
business  ? 

In  addition  to  all  that  we  have  thus  far  seen  was  the 
care  of  the  real  estate  and  the  great  home.  There  was 
solicitude  for  his  honored  aunt,  so  suddenly  bereaved  of 
her  noble  husband  ;  the  negro  slaves  willed  to  her  were 
quick  to  know  that  "  Massa  Hancock  "  was  no  more. 
The  stock  of  cattle  that  grazed  over  the  pasture  on 
Beacon  Hill  needed  the  oversight  of  an  interested  eye, 
or  they  would  rapidly  depreciate  in  value.  Who  could 
have  thought  of  envy  as  he  watched  the  Hancock  char 
iot  roll  out  of  town,  conveying  the  honored  widow  and 
her  overworked  nephew  to  Lexington  to  get  a  little  rest 
with  Parson  Clark  and  Mrs.  Jonas  Clark  at  the  family 
hearthstone. 

1  Placemen,  those  who  hold  positions  under  the  government.     In  this 
case  the  officers  sent  over  from  England  to  enforce  revenue  laws. 


EVER   READY   TO   AID    WORTHY    YOUiVG   MEN     1 05 


CHAPTER    XI 

EVER  READY  TO  AID  WORTHY  YOUNG  MEN.  HANCOCK 
NEGLECTS  HIS  OWN  BUSINESS  FOR  THE  GOOD  OF  HIS 
COUNTRY.  A  GENERAL  BUSINESS  AGENCY.  LIST  OF 
MERCHANTS  ASSOCIATED  WITH  HANCOCK.  ORDERS  GOODS 
IN  CASE  THE  STAMP  ACT  IS  REPEALED.  "HANCOCK  AND 
HIS  CREW."  LOSS  BY  WRECK.  COLONEL  HENRY  BROM- 
FIELD.  RICHARD  CLARK.  HANCOCK  IN  TOWN-MEETING. 
GARRISON  SUPPLIES. 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  in  the  midst  of  all  his  burdens,  was 
ever  ready  to  aid  deserving  young  men  who  showed  a 
talent  for  business.  By  the  Briton  he  sends  to  Bar- 
nards  &  Harrison  the  following  :  - 

By  Captain  Scott,  as  I  have  not  time  now,  I  shall  send  you  an 
Invoice  of  Goods  to  be  put  up  and  sent  by  Marshall  for  the  supply 
of  a  shop  to  a  person  I  am  going  to  put  into  that  Branch,  and  of 
which  more  by  Scott.  I  mean  to  be  sent  if  the  Stamp  Act  be  re 
pealed.  This  Invoice  will  be  nearly  like  Mr.  Jenkin's,  that  you 
mav  make  some  Provisions.  The  Bill  I  have  drawn  on  you  in 
favour  of  Clement  Jackson  was  partly  to  engage  his  Correspondence 
&  Concerns  to  you ;  he  applied  to  me  for  advice  with  respect  to  the 
house  &  at  home.  I  strongly  recommend  him  to  you.  This  Mr. 
Jackson's  father  is  a  man  of  Estate,  tho1  I  can't  say  he  makes  him 
self  liable.  He  writes  you  by  this  oppy.  for  a  parcel  of  goods, 
much  more  than  the  amount  of  the  Bill.  You  will  act  your  pleas 
ure  as  to  sending  them,  but  from  what  I  can  collect  from  Mr.  Jack 
son,  he  is  well  disposed  &  believe  will  use  his  Endeavor  to  be 
punctual  in  his  remittances.  I  think  you  may  make  trial  of  him 
without  any  great  risque,  but  do  as  you  judge  best.  He  is  young 
and  in  course  of  time  may  make  an  agreeable  correspondent. 

You  cannot  be  sensible  what  a  state  of  confusion  this  Stamp  Act 
has  brought  on  us. 


IO6  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

John  Hancock  has  the  added  annoyance  of  being  fre 
quently  reminded  by  his  agents  abroad  that  he  is  be 
hind  in  his  accounts,  and  that  remittances  are  overdue. 
In  reply  to  one  such  he  says  :  — 

I  have  been  for  some  time  past  engaged  in  public  matters  with 
respect  to  the  Redress  of  our  present  Grievances.  So  that  I  am 
prevented  fulfilling  my  promise  of  sending  all  accounts  by  this. 
They  shall  be  sent  by  Scott  and  Bunker.  Our  Custom  House  is 
now  open  without  the  use  of  Stamps,  &  we  are  in  hopes  the  Courts 
of  Justice  will  be  opened  shortly  and  things  go  on  the  usual  way. 
I  hope  there  will  be  no  difficulty  with  respect  to  the  Marshall  clear 
ance.  If  the  Stamp  Act  should  be  laid  aside,  You  will  send  all  my 
goods,  &  pray  let  them  be  of  the  best  kind. 

Inclosed  you  have  Mary  Baker's  Certificate  for  four  months  Pen 
sion,  £6.  13.4,  when  paid  you  will  please  to  pass  to  my  credit. 

By  the  foregoing  it  is  seen  that  Mr.  Hancock  inter 
ested  himself  in  securing  from  government  a  pension 
for  the  widow  Mary  Baker. 

The  following  affords  a  glimpse  of  that  famous  lawyer, 
James  Otis,  as  he  enters  the  counting-room  at  Han 
cock's  store,  and  presents  his  bill  for  legal  services, 
Mr.  Hancock  having  employed  his  friend  and  neighbor, 
Otis,  to  attend  to  some  business  for  a  friend  in  Lon 
don  :  — 

In  our  Company  Letter  of  28*h  Oct.  1763,  we  Inclosed  you  Mr. 
Otis'  Receipt  for  cash  pd.  him  Expences  etc.  for  account  of  Arthur 
Jones,  and  desired  you  to  receive  it  of  Mr.  Jones,  and  Credit  our 
account  but  on  looking  over  Your  acco"  I  find  no  credit  for  it,  &  as 
I  have  not  included  it  in  Mr.  Jones1  account  now  sent  him,  I  in 
close  you  my  Bill  on  Mr.  Jones  for  £4.  Stg.  amt.  of  cash  pd.  Mr. 
Otis,  which  you  will  please  to  get  paid  and  credit  my  account  for  the 
same. 

You  must  Excuse  me  that  I  cannot  send  you  all  accounts  by 
this,  I  have  not  been  able,  we  have  been  terribly  confus'd  here,  but 
hope  we  shall  soon  be  redress'd.  I  have  not  yet  had  time  to  exam 
ine  the  accounts  you  sent,  but  shall  finish  all  matters  to  go  by  Scott. 


MERCHANTS  ASSOCIATED    WITH  J1ANCOCK      IO/ 

Other  men  call  in  time  to  secure  Hancock's  attention 
to  other  business  before  the  sailing  of  the  vessel,  wit- 
nesseth  the  following  :  — 

Inclos'd  is  a  power  of  attorney  to  your  G.  H.  from  Sam1  & 
Ebr  Brown  of  this  Town,  as  also  a  Note  of  hand  due  from  T.  Jas 
Gruchy  of  Gurnsey  for  ^53.  17.  8.  Lawfull  money.  I  take  the  Lib 
erty  to  pray  the  favour  of  your  G.  H.  to  obtain  payment  thereof, 
which  will  much  oblige  the  persons.  I  shall  esteem  a  favour,  when 
reed,  You  will  please  to  pass  the  aint.  to  my  credit  and  send  me 
advice  of  it  with  the  Charges,  attending  that  I  may  pay  the  Browns. 

My  best  wishes  attend  you  &  I  am  with  unfeigned  Truth, 
Gent. 

Your  real  Friend  &  obedt  Servt- 

The  appended  paragraph  affords  a  suggestion  of  the 
extent  of  John  Hancock's  business,  and  recalls  the 
names  of  merchants  and  firms  who  constituted  the  busi 
ness  element  of  Boston  at  the  close  of  1765,  or  as 
English  merchants  were  allied  with  those  of  Boston. 

Bills  drawn  on  you,  not  before  advis'd  of,  &  which  you  will 
please  to  honour  — 

To 

Edward  Wigglesworth  NO.  24  £  25 

Arthur  Jones  &  Co.  25  437.  2.  2 

John  Apple-ton  26  100 

Iona  Clarke  27  TOO 

Sanil  Eliot  28  200 

Abigl  Whitney  &  daughter  29  300 

B.  Gerrish  Esq.  (my  order)  Dec.  5  40 

Kichd  Gary  30  150 

\Vharton  &  Bowes  31  120 

Susannah  Brimmer  32  100 

Nathl  Appleton  33  100 

John  Appleton  34  200 

Saml  Fletcher  35  100 

Clemt.  Jackson  36  500  [     stroye 

Caleb  Blanchard  37  1000 

John  Marshall  38  90 

3562.  2.  2 


108  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  think  I  should  not  be  charg'd  ty  Cr  on  all  the  Bills,  as  one 
half  is  for  purchase  here  for  your  acco"- 
MESSRS.  BAKNARDS  &  HARRISON. 

Edward  Wigglesworth  was  an  importer  of  British  and 
India  goods,  and  kept  in  Marlboro  Street. 

Others  have  appeared  in  this  correspondence,  and 
subsequent  allusions  are  made  to  several  of  them. 

Under  the  date  of  Dec.  21,  1765,  Hancock  writes  to 
Devonshire  &  Reeves  thus  :  — 

I  have  sent  you  so  fully  my  sentiments  on  the  subject  of  the 
Stamp  Act  that  I  think  I  need  not  add  more  to  convince  you  that  it's 
highly  disagreeable  to  the  whole  Continent,  &  I  have  strong  hopes 
that  the  Parliament  will  relieve  us. 

Inclos'd  I  send  you  small  order  for  Goods  to  be  sent  me  by  the 
first  Spring  Ship  in  case  the  Stamp  Act  is  repealed,  but  if  the  act  be 
not  repeal'd,  I  must  desire  you  will  not  send  me  one  article  in  the  In 
voice,  this  is  in  consequence  of  the  United  Resolutions  of  the  Mer 
chants  here  &  the  other  Trading  Towns,  &  I  have  wrote  to  all  my 
Correspondents  in  London  to  the  same  Effect,  if  the  Stamp  Act  is 
repealed  do  let  the  goods  be  well  put  up  &  charg'd  at  the  lowest  price 
for  which  I  will  make  you  a  punctual  remittance. 

I  wish  you  health  &  happiness  &  am 

Gent- 

Your  most  obed1-  Servt- 

The  adjourned  town-meeting  of  Dec.  26  was  held, 
and  its  action,  with  others,  had  a  great  effect  ;  and  the 
final  result  was,  that  the  courts  did  proceed  without 
stamps,  excepting  the  Probate  Court  at  Boston,  of  which 
Lieutenant-Governor  Hutchinson  was  judge.  He  soon 
resigned  ;  and  Governor  Bernard,  after  some  delay,  ap 
pointed  Foster  Hutchinson.  He  was  ready  to  comply 
with  the  sentiments  of  the  patriots.  "Hancock  and  his 
crew,"  as  they  were  derisively  called  in  England  and 
among  the  Loyalists  on  this  side  of  the  water,  had  a 


HANCOCK  AND     "HIS   CREW 


ICQ 


powerful  influence  at  this  time  of  the  Revolutionary 
period.  No  more  trying  winter  can  be  imagined  than 
this  of  1765-1766.  Business  was  largely  suspended, 
and  all  was  uncertainty  ;  no  goods  were  ordered  from 
abroad  unless  accompanied  with  the  one  proviso,  the  re 
peal  of  the  Stamp  Act.  There  were  foes  from  within 
as  well  as  from  without.  There  were  not  wanting  many 
wealthy,  honored  people,  who  sincerely  believed  that  the 
so-called  patriots  were  wrong,  and  were  bringing  ruin 
upon  a  happy  and 
prosperous  class  of 
the  subjects  of  the 
king.  Honored 
pastors  denounced 
these  bold  acts  from 
their  pulpits,  and 
fervently  prayed  for 
God's  mercy  upon 
the  misguided  peo 
ple,  while  they  lost 
no  opportunity  to 
pray,  "  God  save 
the  king." 

When  we  consider  that  Boston,  the  leading  town  in 
this  rebellion,  had  only  about  i  5,000  inhabitants,  and 
the  whole  colony  not  over  240,000  souls,  we  can  but 
pause  and  with  bated  breath  wonder  at  the  results. 
Ships  now  went  to  sea  as  before,  but  each  went  out 
with  great  uncertainty.  In  the  midst  of  this  depres 
sion  Hancock  was  not  so  cast  down  as  to  lose  all  hope 
for  the  future.  While  he  was  prepared  for  the  worst, 
he  was  ready  to  avail  himself  of  the  more  favorable 
times. 


JOHN    HANCOCK'S    MONEY    BOOK. 


IIO  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

On  Jan.  22,  1766,  he  writes  to  his  London  agents  :  — 

I  wish  you  would  give  me  the  earliest  notice  in  the  Spring  how 
you  think  the  Price  of  oyl  £  Bone  will  Govern  next  Summer  as 
also  Pott  Ashes,  &  \\c\i  Sort  of  Oyl  You  would  advise  to  be  largest 
Concern'd  in,  as  I  am  determined  the  Coming  Year  (please  God  I 
live)  to  be  more  largely  Concerned  in  oyl,  Bone  &  Pottash  than 
ever,  If  you  can  Advise  the  least  prospect  it  may  answer,  I  shall 
however  abide  by  Your  Advices,  but  am  Determined  to  push  in 
these  Concerns  &  not  have  it  in  so  many  hands  &  should  be  glad  to 
know  Your  inclinations  as  to  a  concern.  I  suppose  You  would  be 
fond  of,  and  in  the  half:  I  shall  ship  none  in  Compa  with  Folger, 
except  what  goes  in  the  Boston  Packett  of  wc!l  You  will  duly 
advise  me.  Uo  Just  as  You  please,  but  I  would  not  have  You  open 
Concerns  with  any  others  in  that  Branch,  as  it  will  hurt  the  whole, 
&  I  will  Venture  to  say  no  man  here  can  command  more  oyl  or  so 
much  as  myself  &  You  may  rely  I  shall  always  purchase  on  the  best 
Terms,  as  I  pay  my  Cash  on  the  Delivery  &  that  will  always  Com 
mand  the  Markett.  I  am  sorry  to  tell  you  that  I  had  the  misfor 
tune  to  have  a  Load  of  Oyl  cast  away  on  the  Back  of  Cape  Codd. 
Vessell  entirely  lost,  but  had  the  good  luck  to  save  almost  all  the 
Ovl,  -which  was  put  on  Board  another  vessell,  but  the  wind  being  at 
this  season  to  the  No.  West,  She  is  not  yet  up,  but  hope  she  may 
soon  be  here.  I  only  wait  for  that  oyl  to  Dispatch  Scott  wcl>  will  be 
up  the  first  Southerly  wind.  The  vessel  that  brought  up  part  of  the 
oyl  on  b'd  Marshall  was  Cast  ashore  on  Cape  Codd,  but  luckily  got 
off  without  much  Damage. 

Agreeable  to  a  former  promise,  I  have  been  obliged  to  draw  on 
You  a  few  Bills,  as  at  Bottom  in  favr  \V™  Phillips  for  Mr.  Brom- 
field  who  was  a  passenger  in  Marshall,  &  in  fav«"  Mr.  Wm  Gardiner, 
who  is  passenger  in  this  vessell,  as  they  Rest  with  You  I  must  beg 
You  will  duly  honor  them. 

Mr.  Henry  Bromfield,  above  mentioned,  was  later 
known  as  Colonel  Bromfield.  He  was  a  prominent 
merchant  of  the  time,  and  made  frequent  trips  to  Eng 
land  in  the  interests  of  his  business.  He  was  connected 
with  the  Fayerweather  family  by  an  early  marriage,  and 
later  with  the  Clark  family  through  marriage  with  a 
daughter  of  Richard  Clark,  a  merchant  of  distinction 


I  I 


in  Boston.  The  Chirks  had  a  store  in  King  (State) 
Street.  Richard  Clark  was  one  of  the  consignees  of  the 
"  obnoxous  tea,"  and  was  obliged  to  retire  for  safety  to 
the  Castle  at  the  time  of  the  tea-party.  Bromfield,  to 
escape  trouble,  which  he  plainly  saw  was  inevitable,  pur 
chased  an  estate  in  Harvard,  and  retired  to  it  soon  after 
the  opening  of  the  Revolution.  lie  never  gave  up  the 
Continental  costume,  but  always  adhered  to  his  large 
powdered  wig,  square  brown  coat  and  vest,  with  broad 
pockets  and  lapels,  black  small-clothes  or  breeches,  nice 
silk  stockings,  silver  knee  and  shoe  buckles,  and  carried 
a  gold-headed  cane.  He  commanded  the  respect  of  the 
people  of  the  retired  town  of  Harvard,  where  he  is  still 
pleasantly  remembered.  When  he  left  the  society  of 
John  Hancock  and  other  merchants  of  the  day,  he  took 
with  him  a  negro  body  servant,  Othello,  or  "  Thurlo  " 
as  he  was  better  known.  This  slave  formed  a  very 
strong  attachment 
for  his  master  ;  but 
he  evidently  did 
not  understand  the 
occasion  of  his 
master's  seclusion, 
regarding  it  as  a 
sort  of  punish 
ment.  Othello  was 
once  heard  address 
ing  an  unruly  cow 
thus  :  - 

"  You  are  cross,  you  are  ugly  ;  you'll  have  to  eat  alone 
same  as  Massa  does." 

Colonel  Brom field,  like  John  Hancock,  had  a  strong 
attachment  for  his  slave  ;  and  in  the  old  burying-ground 


HANCOCK    FAMILY   TOMB    AT   LEXINGTON. 


I  I  2  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

at  Harvard  may  be  read,  on  a  well-kept  stone  at  an 
isolated  grave,  the  following  :  — 

OTHELLO, 
THE  FAITHFUL  FRIEND  OF 

HENRY  BROM FIELD 

CAME  FROM  AFRICA  ABOUT  1760, 

DIED  1813,  AGED  ABOUT  73. 

Colonel  Bromfield's  grave  is  in  King's  Chapel  Bury- 
ing-ground,  Boston.  The  family  monument  is,  like  that 
of  the  Hancock  family,  at  Lexington. 

John  Hancock  finds  it  difficult  to  collect  the  bills  be 
longing  to  the  estate  of  his  deceased  uncle;  and  in  this 
letter  of  Jan.  2,  1766,  he  writes  to  his  agents  :  — 

I  should  be  very  glad  you  would  endeavor  to  obtain  payment 
of  the  Bills  sent  you  by  my  late  Uncle  long  ago  —  say  Shirley's, 
Gorhams,  &  many  others,  I  can't  but  think  the  Government  would 
pay  Shirley's  Bill  if  applied  to.  Do  use  Your  Endeavours  for  me, 
for  vvch  I  shall  be  much  oblig'd,  it  is  hard  I  should  lose  them. 

I  am  in  great  hopes  to  despatch  Scott  in  ten  days  ;  in  short,  we 
are  in  such  an  unsettled  state  &  in  so  much  confusion  that  it  is  im  - 
possible  to  sit  down  quietly  to  do  Business.  But  I  sincerely  hope 
we  shall  soon  be  re-instated  in  our  former  Situation  by  the  Repeal 

or  setting  aside  that  unconstitutional,  cruel  &  D d  Stamp  Act, 

wch  has  done  the  Colonies  more  Injury  than  will  be  Recovered  in 
many  years,  pray  use  your  Influence  for  us.  By  Scott  I  shall  send 
you  an  Invo.  of  goods  for  the  full  supply  of  a  shop  to  come,  if  the 
Stamp  Act  be  repealed. 

I  wish  you  the  compliments  of  the  season  &  am  with  the  most 
perfect  esteem, 

Gentm.,  Your  Real  friend  &  most  faithful  Humble  servt. 

The  adjourned  town-meeting  was  much  more  quiet 
and  peaceful.  It  was  voted  that  the  representatives  of 
the  town  in  General  Assembly  use  their  influence  that 
justice  be  duly  administered  in  the  counties  throughout 
the  Province,  and  also  use  their  influence  that  proper 


GARRISON  SUPPLIES  113 

inquiry  be  made  into  the  conduct  of  any  who  have  aided 
the  Stamp  Act.  The  meeting  then  dissolved.  This  re 
lieved  the  selectmen,  and  John  Hancock  had  more  time 
to  devote  to  his  own  affairs.  Ever  ready  for  any  hope 
ful  business  venture,  he  continued  a  line  pursued  by  his 
lamented  uncle.  It  appears  in  the  following  letter  :  — 

BOSTON,  Janry  i6th,  1766. 

The  delay  of  the  Returns  of  the  Survey  of  the  Provisions  at 
Chignecto  &  Annapolis  and  of  sending  to  me  the  Condemned  Pro 
vision,  before  wcl1  I  could  not  have  completed  Your  accounts,  has 
been  the  occasion  that  I  have  not  till  now  wrote  &  Transmitted 
your  accts.  w<*  circumstance  I  hope  will  plead  my  excuse  with  You. 
...  I  also  enclose  your  acct.  of  supplies  for  your  contract  of  500 
men  in  Nova  Scotia  and  charges  attending  it  to  June  25th.  I  en 
close  Your  acct.  Ballance  due  me  .£1340,  3-8.  sterling  for  \\ch  sum 
I  have  drawn  a  set  of  Bills  of  Exchange  on  You  in  favor  of  Messrs. 
Barnards  &  Harrison,  merchts.,  in  London,  which  you  will  please  to 
honor  and  balance  the  commissions  authorized  between  us.  I  have 
supplied  provisions  to  the  Garrison  to  carry  on  your  contract,  on  the 
new  agreement  &  shall  continue  it,  till  one  of  us  gives  the  notice 
Specified  in  the  article  for  an  alteration,  and  I  am  now  to  acquaint 
You  that  I  strictly  adhere  to  my  proposals  made  &  Your  agreement 
to  my  Taking  Your  contract  at  Four  pence  half  penny  sterl'g  pr. 
man  pr.  Day,  with  the  addition  of  ^160  pay  to  Commissioner  &  look 
upon  it  that  my  Letters  are  as  equally  Binding  and  my  Intention  is 
that  they  should  be,  under  the  several  Limitations  in  the  Articles  £ 
Bond  Sent  me,  as  if  they  had  been  sign'd  &  properly  Executed  25th 
June  last,  the  Day  I  Took  the  contract,  &  mean  to  continue  my 
Supplies  in  future  under  the  same  Restrictions  &  on  the  same  Foot 
ing  as  mentioned  in  the  articles  ;  &  hope  I  shall  ever  Transact  it  to 
the  entire  satisfaction  of  all  concern'd. 

I  am  with  great  Respect, 

Sir,  Your  most  obed1  Humble  Serv1- 

To  MATHEW  WOODFOKD  ESQR- 


114  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XII 

HANCOCK  STARTS  A  YOUNG  MAN  IN  BUSINESS.  BOLDLY  DE 
CLARES  HIS  RIGHTS.  INTRODUCES  WILLIAM  BOWES.  HE 
SOLICITS  BUSINESS.  MERCHANTS  IN  LONDON  FEEL  THE 
BUSINESS  DEPRESSION.  UTTERANCES  OF  THE  PRESS.  LIB 
ERTY  TREE.  HANCOCK  ON  COMMITTEE  OF  RESOLUTIONS 
FOR  TOWN  OF  PLYMOUTH. 

IN  a  letter  of  Jan.  18  to  Barnards  &  Harrison,  he  says 
he  has  purchased  a  large  quantity  of  naval  stores  for 
the  garrison  at  Nova  Scotia,  and  adds  :  — 

I  hope  the  Brig,  will  arrive  safe  &  meet  a  good  market,  pray 
obtain  the  best  price  for  the  whalebone,  it  is  very  good.  I  have 
had  it  by  me  for  some  time,  I  hope  it  will  net  a  good  profit.  ...  I 
also  enclose  Your  acct.  of  amt.  of  Boston  Packetfs  last  cargo,  in 
thirds  with  you  Folger  £  Starbuck  &  myself  amt.  to  ^3820,  2.  7. 
Lawfull  money,  one  third  the  produce  of  w<=h  you  will  pass  to  the 
Credit  of  my  acct.  ,£955,  o.  j\  sterl'g  being  cash  paid  by  me  for 
your  third  cost  of  Boston  Packetts  Cargo  in  Boston. 

He  notes  the  purchase  of  the  brig  Lydia  "at  .£982 
13^.  9^.,  with  charges  of  £61  12s.  9^.,  making  the 
whole  cost  complete  for  the  seas  ^1044  6s.  6*/."  Of 
another  plan  to  start  a  young  man  in  business,  he 
writes :  — 

Inclosed  you  have  an  Invoice  of  Goods  to  be  put  up  &  sent  me 
in  the  spring  as  early  as  You  can,  if  the  Stamp  act  be  Repealed, 
other  ways  not.  These  goods,  I  beg  may  be  well  chosen  &  Packed 
&  charged  at  the  lowest  Rates.  My  design  being  to  put  them  in  a 
shop  for  Retail  in  which  I  shall  place  a  young  man  who  has  been 
with  me  since  my  late  uncle's  death  —  as  my  brother's  leaving  the 


HANCOCK  BOLDLY  DECLARES   JUS  RIGHTS      115 

store  occasioned  my  wanting  more  help  just  at  that  juncture,  as  I 
had  a  multiplicity  of  affairs  to  attend  to.  Of  whose  abilities  I  have 
a  high  opinion  £  shall  now  make  tryall  as  well  for  his  advantage  as 
my  own  &  if  it  answers  I  shall  order  the  goods  after  these  to  be 
charged  to  his  accn't. 

As  another  apology  for  seeming  neglect  he  writes  :  — 

I  have  wrote  you  so  fully  on  the  subject  of  our  Grievances  & 
Burthens  that  I  shall  not  add  on  that  Head,  only  say  that  if  we  are 
not  Relieved  our  Trade  is  gone  £.  we  a  Ruined  people.  I  shall 
at  once  drop  all  Connections  with  Business,  for  I  am  so-  much  of 
an  Englishman  that  no  power  shall  force  me  to  carry  on  Business, 
the  Profits  of  which  to  be  applied  to  Place  men,  who  we  should  be 
much  better  without  than  with  them,  neither  is,  nor  shall  my  Prop 
erty  be  at  the  Controll  &  Service  of  any  one  that  pleases  to  demand 
it,  w*  I  am  sorry  to  say  there  is  too  great  a  probability  of  its  being 
the  case.  But  I  am  invariably  Determined  to  support  my  Liberty 
and  Property  at  ye  expense  of  every  thing  else  &  will  be  free  in  a 
free  Country  £  under  a  free  Government.  I  have  a  Right  to  it  & 
no  man  a  Right  to  Deprive  me  of  it.  You  may  depend  that  by- 
next  opportunity  I  will  close  &  send  you  all  accounts  of  Vessels  & 
sales,  etc. 

Notwithstanding  the  unrest  and  uncertainty  of  affairs, 
John  Hancock  endeavored  to  put  himself  in  good  stand 
ing  with  a  business-house  which  was  connected  with  his 
uncle.  Of  this  he  writes  :  — 

I  have  it  in  my  power,  I  think,  to  Transact  all  matters  as  well  as 
any  man  in  this  country  &  w<=h  shall  always  be  Executed  in  the  best 
manner,  &  shall  hope  for  your  Commands  in  preference  to  others. 
My  scituation,  ever  since  my  Uncle's  death,  has  been  a  scene  of 
Hurry  &  our  Confused  State  here  has  really  prevented  my  closing 
matters  as  I  could  have  wished  to  have  done,  but  Beg  Your  Excuse, 
wch  I  am  Confident  you  will  Readily  grant,  considering  all  Circum 
stances.  I  imagine  if  the  Stamp  Act  be  repealed  that  you  will  be  at 
no  loss  to  freight  Marshall  £  Scott  &  Doubt  not  but  you  will  give 
them  all  the  Despatch  in  yr.  power.  I  desire  you  will  send  me  by 
Scott  Ten  Tons  of  best  Hemp,  besides  what  I  have  wrote  for  to 
come  in  Marshall. 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


We  now  notice  Mr.  Hancock's  first  intimation  of 
aiding  his  relatives.  William  Bowes,  hereafter  men 
tioned,  was  a  cousin 
of  the  merchant  ; 
he  was  one  of  that 
flock  of  children 
of  the  Bedford  par 
sonage,  cousins  of 
John  Hancock, who 
took  such  delight 
in  the  visits  of  the 
finely  dressed  boy 
who  came  out  from 
Boston  with  his 

FANEUIL    HALL   OF    1763. 

uncle  and  aunt  to 
get  the  country  air.      He  writes  :  — 


My  particular  friend  &  Relation,  Mr.  William  Bowes,  is  Passen 
ger  in  Captain  Scott,  he  proposes  spending  six  or  eight  months  in 
England.  I  take  the  freedom  to  recommend  him  to  your  Particular 
Notice  &  Civilities,  wch  I  doubt  not  you  will  cheerfully  afford  him  & 
which  I  shall  Esteem  a  favor.  He  is  a  gentn.  of  good  mind,  Sober, 
Honest  &  Industrious,  &  very  Deserving,  &  one  I  have  a  high  opin 
ion  of.  I  wish  him  a  happy  sight  of  you.  I  Refer  you  to  him  for 
all  matters  stirring  here  &  hope  his  Visit  to  you  will  Establish  an 
agreeable  Correspondence  with  you.  I  beg  the  favr.  of  yor.  best 
advice  &  assistance  &  that  you  will  in  all  Respects  grant  him  yor. 
Countenance.  Should  Mr.  Bowes  have  occasion  for  money  at  any 
Time,  I  pray  you  will  please  to  supply  with  what  sum  or  sums 
he  may  apply  to  you  for  even  to  the  amt.  of  one  Thousand  or  Fif 
teen  hundred  pounds  sterling,  wch  Charge  to  my  acct.  advising  me 
thereof.  I  shall  by  next  opportunity  Transmit  you  some  Remit 
tance,  as  I  would  not  by  any  means  put  you  to  the  inconvenience  of 
advancing  for  me,  when  I  can  possibly  avoid  it.  Tho1  it  will  some 
times  happen  so,  &  when  it  does  I  am  ever  Disposed  to  make  every 
satisfaction;  but  Considering  the  extent  of  my  Business  I  hope  you 
will  think  I  do  pretty  well.  I  must  Refer  to  my  next,  being  now 


INTRODUCES    WILLIAM  BOWES  I  I/ 

Reduced  to  the  evening  to  finish  my  Letters,  &  am  Determined 
Scott  shall  sail  early  in  the  morning.  Shall  soon  write  you  again 
when  you  may  Rely  I  will  close  £  send  all  accts.  between  us.  My 
sincere  wishes  attend  you  for  Health,  Success  and  every  kind  of 
Felicity  &  believe  with  greatest  Truth 

Gentn.,  Your  Real  friend  £  most  faithful  humble  servt. 
MKSS.  BARNAKDS  £  HARRISON. 

Under  the  same  date  Mr.  Hancock  writes  :  — 

Should  the  Stamp  Act  be  repealed  £  our  Grievances  Removed 
I  shall  Extend  my  Business  £  in  all  my  demands  from  your  place 
wholly  apply  to  your  house,  and  having  the  highest  opinion  of  your 
Fidelity  £  Integrity,  I  purpose  next  season  to  Build  a  vessell  of 
about  no  Tons  to  keep  Running  between  this  £  Bristol,  having 
a  person  to  put  in  her  who  has  long  been  in  my  Employ. 

John  Hancock  was  not  spoiled  by  coming  suddenly 
into  possession  of  a  great  business  and  fortune.  It 
seemed  to  be  his  ambition  to  maintain  the  good  repu 
tation  which  his  uncle,  Thomas  Hancock,  enjoyed,  and 
also  to  increase  the  business.  If  vanity  was  at  times 
seen  in  his  dress  and  habits,  the  only  wonder  is  that  his 
circumstances  did  not  make  him  more  so.  His  aim  to 
extend  his  business  is  seen  in  the  following  extract  :  — 

I  am  sensible  of  your  connections  £  concerns  this  way  with  Re 
spect  to  your  Particular  Business  in  Navigation  £c.  I  suppose  your 
intentions  are  to  continue  them,  at  least  you  will  if  they  have  been 
advantageous,  as  I  imagine  they  have.  I  know  not  what  alterations 
the  melancholy  event  of  Mr.  Griffin's  death  may  occasion  in  your 
concerns  here,  or  perhaps  you  may  have  already  placed  them  else 
where.  I  mean  not  to  interfere  with  your  connections,  but  I  beg 
leave  to  say  that  if  at  any  time  an  opportunity  may  offer,  when  you 
can  agreeable  to  yourselves  place  any  concerns  with  me  you  may 
depend  on  the  utmost  Dispatch,  Fidelity  £  punctuality  £  that  in 
any  commands  you  may  please  to  favr.  me  with  you  may  rely  on 
the  greatest  attention  to  your  Interests  in  all  Respects.  I  think  I 
may  venture  to  say  no  man  here  can  better  serve  your  Interests 
than  myself.  You  will  excuse  my  mentioning  thus  much.  I  heart- 


JlS  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

ily  wish  you  every  kind  of  Felicity  &  whenever  I  may  be  useful  I 
beg  you  freely  command  — 

Gentn., 

Your  most  faithful  &  obedt.  Humble  Servt. 
To  MESSRS.  DEVONSHIRE  &  REEVES. 

On  the  same  date  he  writes  to  recommend  Edward 
Jackson,  a  brazier,  to  the  firm  of  Barnards  &  Harrison 
for  credit.  On  Jan.  25,  1766,  he  writes  to  Barnards  & 
Harrison  :  — 

Captain  Freeman  arrived  here  last  night,  but  not  a  line  from  you 
—  I  should  be  heartily  glad  to  hear  from  you  on  the  subject  of  our 
American  affairs.  If  we  are  not  relieved  our  trade  is  gone,  for  it  is 
the  United  Resolution  of  this  Continent  not  to  submit  to  the  Stamp 
Act,  as  we  look  upon  it  as  unconstitutional.  Am  very  glad  that 
you  begin  to  feel  the  ill  consequences  of  the  Stamp  Act,  &  I  look 
upon  it  that  the  Stoppage  of  Importing  goods  &  the  failure  of  Re- 


INVOICE    HEAD    USED    BY   JOHN    HANCOCK. 

mittances,  wch  must  fail  if  our  Trade  be  gone,  will  have  as  good  an 
Effect  as  we  can  Desire,  &  I  pray  you  will  exert  yourselves  for  us, 
as  to  the  Rashness  your  G.  H.  mentions,  we  have  been  guilty  of 
I  look  upon  it  that  no  such  rash  measures  have  been  taken  in  what 
particularly  respects  the  Stamp  Act.  The  Injury  that  has  been 
done  the  Lieut.  GovY.  was  quite  a  different  affair,  &  was  not  done 
by  this  Town  &  is  what  I  abhor  &  Detest  as  much  as  any  man 
breathing,  and  would  go  great  lengths  in  Repairing  his  Loss  but  an 
opposition  to  the  Stamp  Act  is  highly  commendable,  when  I  say 
that,  I  don't  mean  that  every  step  that  has  been  taken  is  so,  but  as 


LIBERTY   TREE  I  19 

a  people  &  a  wide  extended  Country  the  general  Dislike  &  opposi 
tion  to  the  act  is  commendable.  But  I  have  said  enough  to  con 
vince  you  of  my  Dislike  to  it  &  I  pray  we  may  be  relieved.  .  .  . 
My  friend  Wm.  Bowes  went  in  Scott.  I  Beg  your  particular  notice 
of  him  &  pray  my  hearty  Love  to  him.  Do  write  me  often,  pray 
send  me  by  Capt.  Marshall  a  peck  of  steel  filings  to  use  instead  of 
Black  sand. 

To  MESSRS.  BARNARDS  &  HARRISON. 

Hancock's  sentiments  written  to  foreign  agents  lacked 
none  of  the  spirit  of  some  utterances  published  in  the 
papers  of  the  time.  They  boldly  denounced  the  Stamp 
Act  as  unconstitutional,  and  said,  "  Shall  we  not,  then, 
all,  as  one  man,  join  in  opposing  it,  and  spill  the  last 
drop  of  our  blood,  if  necessary,  rather  than  live  to  see 
it  take  place  in  America  ? " 

It  was  at  this  time,  Feb.  20,  that  there  was  a  cere 
mony  by  the  Sons  of  Liberty,  who  caused  to  be  placed 
on  Liberty-Tree  1  the  following  :  — 


THIS  TREE  WAS  PLANTED  IN  THE  YEAR   1646, 

AND   PRUNED  BY   ORDER   OF  THE 
SONS  OF   LIBERTY,    FEB.    I4TH,    1766. 


There  was  also  a  public  burning  of  stamped  papers 
sent  up  from  Halifax  with  blood-red  stamps  on  each. 

With  this  public  demonstration  in  mind,  Hancock  re 
tires  to  his  counting-room,  and  writes,  on  Feb.  26  :  — 

I  am  very  glad  you  have  interested  yourselves  for  us  &  wish  your 
application  may  produce  the  Desired  Effect.  I  am  sure  it  is  as 

1  The  tree  was  cut  down  in  1775  °y  the  British  and  Tories.  One 
of  the  company  was  killed  by  the  falling  of  a  limb.  A  liberty-pole  was 
erected  and  maintained  on  the  spot  for  a  long  time. 


I2O  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

much  for  the  interest  of  Great  Britain  as  ourselves  to  Ease  our 
trade  &  in  the  case  of  the  Stamp  Act,  there  seems  a  necessity  of 
Repealing  it  for  almost  to  a  man  throughout  the  Continent,  they 
are  determined  to  oppose  it,  but  I  hope  very  soon  to  hear  some 
good  acct.  from  you.  Do  give  me  the  earliest  notice  that  the  Par 
liament  determines.  I  imagine  the  Brig  Harrison  will  be  the  first 
Vessel  here  if  the  Stamp  Act  be  repealed.  You  will  have  goods 
enough  to  load  Marshall  &  Scott.  Tho.  they  will  be  here  late,  I 
will  Endeavor  to  have  Oyl  ready  for  them.  I  have  now  several 
whaling  vessels  of  my  own  &  in  about  three  weeks  shall  fit  them 
out,  that  with  common  success  I  shall  have  a  large  quantity  of  Oyl 
&  Bone.  I  propose  being  pretty  largely  concerned  the  coming  year 
in  purchasing  Oyl.  I  beg  your  opinion  as  early  as  possible  as  to 
oyl  &  bone.  ...  I  think  I  can  venture  to  say  that  no  man  here 
can  better  consult  your  Interest  in  all  Respects  than  myself.  I  hope 
soon  to  hear  from  you,  my  best  wishes  attend  you  for  all  Kind 
of  Felicity,  £  I  am  with  best  Compliments  £  sincere  Professions  of 
Friendship 

Gent" 

Your  Faithfull  £  mos1    obed* 

Humble   Servt 
MESS.  BARNARDS  £  HARRISON. 


The  annual  town-meeting  of  March  brought  added 
cares  to  the  busy  merchant.  Besides  a  re-election  as 
one  of  the  selectmen,  he  was  chosen  on  a  committee 
with  Samuel  Adams  to  draw  up  a  letter  of  thanks  to 
the  town  of  Plymouth,  in  recognition  of  one  from  that 
town  addressed  "To  the  Respectable  Inhabitants  of  the 
Town  of  Boston,"  in  which  was  expressed  most  hearty 
concurrence  in  all  their  recent  acts.  What  part  John 
Hancock  had  in  the  preparation  of  this  letter  is  not 
known,  but  it  stands  on  the  records  as  a  memorial  of 
the  sentiments  of  the  town  and  of  the  committee.  It 
concludes  thus  :  — 

"That  the  spirit  of  our  venerable  forefathers  may 
revive  and  be  diffused  through  every  community  in  this 


HANCOCK  ON  COMMITTEE    OF  RESOLUTIONS    121 

Land  ;  that  Liberty,  Civil  and  Religious,  the  grand  Ob 
ject  of  their  View,  may  still  be  felt,  enjoyed  and  vindi 
cated  by  the  present  Generation,  and  the  fair  Inheritance 
transmitted  to  our  latest  Posterity,  is  the  fervent  wish  of 
the  metropolis." 


122  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XIII 

THE  REPEAL  OF  THE  STAMP  ACT.  THE  WELCOME  NEWS 
BROUGHT  BY  HANCOCK'S  VESSEL.  THE  PUBLIC  REJOICING. 
HANCOCK  FREELY  TREATS  TO  MADEIRA.  INSCRIPTIONS 
TO  LIBERTY  ENGRAVED  BY  PAUL  REVERE.  HANCOCK  IN 
GENERAL  COURT. 

ON  March  18  the  Stamp  Act  was  repealed,  but  it 
was  two  months  before  a  copy  of  the  act  of  repeal  was 
received  in  Boston.  It  was  expected,  however,  as  is 
seen  by  the  following  letter  to  Devonshire  &  Reeves  :  — 

BOSTON,  March  27,  1766. 

I  hope  soon  to  hear  of  the  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act.  It  is  such 
an  oppressive  &  unconstitutional  act  that  I  am  persuaded  the  Parlia 
ment  upon  consideration  will  Relieve  us.  I  am  much  obliged  to 
your  good  office  in  this  matter,  &  hope  your  Representation  will 
meet  success.  Please  to  send  100  Doz.  Pins  No.  4.  ;  10  Doz  short 
whites. 

On  the  same  day  to  Barnards  &  Harrison  he  writes  :  — 

I  have  wrote  to  Messrs.  Devonshire  &  Reeves  of  Bristol  to  Draw 
on  you  for  Balance  of  my  acct.  When  their  bill  appears  I  pray  the 
fav'r.  You  will  please  duly  to  honor  it  &  charge  its  amt.  to  my 
acct.  We  are  just  beginning  to  fit  out  our  whalemen  &  hope  shall 
have  good  success.  I  have  no  acct.  of  Liberty,  Capt.  Smith.  Hope 
he  will  soon  arrive.  I  shall  make  no  saving  by  her.  I  shall  dispose 
of  her  next  voyage.  Messrs.  Barker  &  Burnell  of  Nantucket  &  my 
self  have  entered  a  concern  on  a  Brig,  to  be  employed  this  season  in 
the  Straights  on  a  Whaling  voyage  &  if  she  meet  with  success  is  to 
proceed  with  her  oyle  &  Bone  direct  from  the  Straights  to  London. 
She  will  go  to  Your  address,  by  wch  we  shall  make  a  considerable 


THE   REPEAL    OF   TJIK   STAMP  ACT  123 

saving,  having  made  such  arrangement  with  the  crew  as  if  she  meets 
success,  will  be  agreeable  to  our  advantage  of  wcl>  more  hereafter. 

The  best  wishes  attend  for  all  Happiness  &  believe  me  very  sin 
cerely  Genfn 

Your  most  faithful  &  obliged  Humble  servt. 

The  Hancock  home  for  many  years  had  been  one  to 
which  the  officials  and  men  of  dignity  had  freely  gone. 
Thomas  Pownal,  who  preceded  Francis  Bernard  as  gov 
ernor,  was  a  warm  friend  of  Thomas  Hancock  and  wife, 
and  had  become  much  attached  to  their  nephew.  He 
looked  after  the  young  man  when  in  England,  and  was 
still  in  correspondence  with  the  merchant.  To  this 
man  of  distinction  John  Hancock  writes  on  March  27, 
1766:- 

I  am  favored  with  Your  Letter  of  Dec.  I ,  last,  &  note  the  con 
tents.  I  observe  what  you  mention  with  Respect  to  your  money 
matters  &  the  prospect  of  getting  it  home  by  means  of  General 
Gage's  Bills  on  the  Treasury  &  that  he  was  to  draw  on  me  for  the 
money.  I  have  reed.,  a  letter  from  General  Gage  on  this  subject, 
copy  of  wch  I  now  Inclose  You,  by  wch  You  will  see  he  expects  I  send 
the  Money  to  New  York  wch  is  impracticable,  at  least,  untill  I  have 
your  orders  therefor,  as  it  will  be  attended  with  some  Risque,  & 
that  I  could  not  take  upon  myself.  I  have  wrote  General  Gage  1 
that  I  could  no  way  send  the  money  to  York  without  yor  order,  & 
indeed  it  seems  not  to  be  your  intention  by  Your  Letter.  I  likewise 
wrote  him  that  I  should  Remitt  the  money  to  You  from  hence,  this 
Spring.  I  am  now  to  acquaint  You  that  as  soon  as  I  possibly  can 
procure  Bills,  I  shall  remitt  the  money  &  Lodge  it  in  the  hands  of 
my  Friends,  Mess.  Barnards  &  Harrison,  Merchts  in  London  &  as 
soon  as  Effected  shall  order  them  to  pay  you  the  full  Am°  of  the 
notes,  with  Interest  in  my  hands  :  state  of  wch  I  shall  send  you  as 
soon  as  I  can  procure  the  Bills  &  shall  advise  you  of  such  my  orders 
to  those  Gentn  when  you  will  please  to  give  them  a  Rec1-  in  full  of 
all  monies  lod'g'd  in  my  late  Uncle's  hands. 

My  aunt  has  been  long  confined,  but  thank  God  is  upon  the 

1  General  Gage  was  then  commander-in-chief  of  His  Majesty's  forces 
in  North  America. 


124  JOHN  HANCOCK,    1I1S  BOOK 

Recovery.  She  begs  her  particular  respects  to  you  &  your  Lady 
&  congratulates  you  on  your  connection  with  so  agreeable  a  Lady  & 
wishes  you  every  kind  of  felicity.  I  hope  soon  to  hear  the  Result 
of  Parliament  with  Respect  to  our  American  affairs  &  am  persuaded 
that  upon  Consideration  that  most  unconstitutional  &  oppressive 
Stamp  Act  will  be  Repealed.  It  is  a  Grievance  that  the  Colonies 
cannot  submit  to.  Our  trade  must  be  Ruined  &  think  it  much  for 
the  Interests  of  Great  Britain  to  give  us  a  free  &  extensive  Trade. 
I  shall  be  always  glad  of  the  honor  of  a  Line  from  you.  I  heartily 
wish  you  Health,  happiness  &  am  with  unfeigned  esteem  sir. 

Your  most  obliged  &  most  faithful  Humble  servt. 
To  His  EXCELLENCY  Gov.  POWNAL. 

On  April  i  the  inhabitants  of  Boston  met  in  Faneuil 
Hall.  The  occasion,  as  stated  by  the  moderator,  James 
Otis,  was  the  expectation  of  hearing  an  authentic  ac 
count  of  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act.  The  selectmen 
were  chosen  as  a  committee  to  make  plans  for  a  season 
of  rejoicing,  and  give  the  inhabitants  seasonable  notice 
in  such  manner  as  they  shall  think  best. 

While  plans  for  the  public  demonstration  are  being 
carefully  made  by  the  committee,  who  doubtless  meet 
in  Hancock's  counting-room,  the  merchant  turns  to  his 
desk,  takes  his  quill,  and  writes  to  London  agents  :  — 

We  momentarily  expect  to  hear  from  England.  We  have  had 
several  accts.  that  the  Stamp  Act  is  repealed  &  hope  very  soon  to 
have  a  confirmation  of  it. 

My  Best  wishes  attend  You,  I  cant  add  but  that  I  am 

Your  very  Humble  servt- 

MESS.  BARNARDS  £  HARRISON. 

On  April  30,  in  another  letter  to  his  London  agents, 
he  speaks  of  the  arrival  of  Captain  Jacobson,  who  has 
brought  news  of  the  repeal,  and  says  :  — 

I  hope  the  next  vessel  will  bring  us  the  entire  repeal  of  it.  You 
may  rest  assured  that  the  people  in  this  country  will  exert  them 
selves  to  show  their  Loyalty  &  attachment  to  Great  Britain. 


NEWS  BROUGHT  BY  HANCOCK'S    VESSEL        125 

On  May  27  he  writes  to  the  same  persons  :  - 

Our  Brig  Harrison  Capt.  Shubael  Coffin  brought  us  the  first  ac 
count  of  the  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act,  which  gave  us  great  Joy  £ 
has  given  a  new  face  to  things.  Our  rejoicing  has  been  conducted 
in  a  very  Decent,  Reputable  manner,  &  I  hope  now  peace  &  har 
mony  will  prevail.  My  best  Influence  £  endeavors  to  that  purpose 
shall  be  used.  I  doubt  not  but  the  colonies  will  make  all  the  grate 
ful  Returns  in  their  power. 

The  Express  sent  off  by  your  Merchts  we  just  hear  is  arrived  at 
Virginia.  Letters  not  yet  come,  that  with  the  former  Letter  will  be 
answered  immediately  after  the  Recf  of  the  Letter  by  the  Express. 

Capt.  Marshall  arriv'd  here  in  a  fine  passage  of  31  days  from 
London,  he  is  now  unloading  £  I  shall  use  my  best  endeavours  to 
get  him  away  as  soon  as  possible,  th°  oyl  is  not  yet  come  in.  The 
Brig  Harrison  is  gone  to  Nantuckett  &  hope  she  will  be  soon  Dis 
patched.  I  cannot  now  make  a  particular  Reply  to  your  favrs  but 
will  by  Smith  who  will  sail  in  about  Fourteen  days. 
Your  Real  friend 

£  Obliged  Humble  Serv*- 

MESS.  HARRISONS  £  BARNARD. 

With  a  light  heart  and  a  hopeful,  cheerful  manner, 
John  Hancock,  as  all  the  merchants,  start  in  for  spring 
business. 

It  was  on  May  16  that  a  copy  of  the  Act  of  Repeal 
was  received  in  Boston. 

It  was  an  occasion  of  peculiar  pride  to  Hancock  that 
a  vessel  in  which  he  was  a  part  owner  should  have 
brought  the  official  announcement  of  the  repeal  of  the 
Stamp  Act.  Letters  of  gratitude  were  sent  to  the  mem 
bers  of  Parliament  who  espoused  the  cause  of  the  colo 
nies  ;  and  their  replies  were  laid  before  the  people,  who 
ordered  them  spread  upon  the  records. 

The  public  demonstration,  so  carefully  planned  by  the 
town's  committee,  is  one  of  interest  to  all  who  have 
entered  into  the  spirit  of  the  burden  so  long  distressing 
the  people.  The  plans  and  rejoicing,  declared  by  Han- 


126 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


cock  to  be  "  Decent  and  Reputable"  was  described  more 
fully  in  the  papers  of  the  time,  thus  :  — 

April  28,  1766.  —  Monday  last,  The  Freeholders  and  other  In 
habitants  of  the  Town  of  Boston,  met  at  Faneuil  Hall,  where  they 
were  well  pleased  with  the  accounts  which  had  been  received  from 
Home,  in  regard  to  the  progress  of  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act ; 
whereupon  they  voted  the  methods  to  exhibit  their  joy,  when  the 

account  shall  arrive  of  the  Bill 
for  a  Repeal  has  passed  the 
whole  Legislature  voted  unan 
imously  that  the  magistrates  of 
the  Town,  the  Selectmen,  Fire- 
wards,  Constables  and  Engi 
neers,  be  desired  to  use  their 
utmost  endeavours,  to  prevent 
any  Bonfire  being  made  in  any 
part  of  the  Town,  also  the 
throwing  of  Rockets,  Squibs, 
and  other  Fireworks,  in  any  of 
the  streets  of  said  Town,  except 
the  time  that  shall  be  appointed 
for  general  Rejoicings  ;  and  that 
the  inhabitants  be  desired  for  the 
present  to  restrain  their  children 
and  servants  from  going  abroad 


on  evenings. 


OLD    SOUTH    MEETING-HOUSE. 


The     Sons    of     Liberty 
voted,  May  17  :  — 


That  their  exhibition  of  joy  on  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act  be 
on  the  Common. 

That  fireworks  be  played  off  from  a  stage  to  be  erected  near  the 
Work-House  Gates. 

That  there  be  an  advertisement  published  on  Monday  next,  of 
the  intended  exhibition  ;  the  place  where,  and  the  time  when  it  will 
end.  I  do  therefore  notify  the  friends  of  liberty,  that  an  authentic 
account  of  the  Repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act  is  arrived,  and  the  gentle 
men,  Selectmen  of  Boston  have  fixed  upon  this  evening,  for  the 
public  rejoicing,  at  whose  desires  will  be  exhibited  on  the  Common, 


PUBLIC  REJOICING  \2J 

an  Obelisk,  engraved  by  Mr.  Paul  Revere.     The  signal  of  its  end 
ing  will  be  by  firing  a  horizontal  wheel  on  the  top  of  the  Obelisk, 
when  it  is  desired  the  assembly  will  retire. 
By  order  of  the  Com. 

(Signed)  M.  Y.  Secretary. 
May  19,  1766. 

On  May  26  appeared  the  following  :  — 

Friday  se'nnight,  to  the  inexpressible  joy  of  all  were  received  by 
Capt.  Coffin,  the  important  news  of  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act, 
which  was  signed  by  His  Majesty  the  i8th  March  last ;  upon  which 
the  bells  in  the  town  were  set  a  ringing,  the  ships  in  the  harbour 
displayed  their  colours,  guns  were  discharged  in  different  parts  of 
the  town,  and  in  the  evening  were  several  bonfires.  According  to 
a  previous  vote  of  the  town,  the  Selectmen  met  in  the  afternoon  at 
Faneuil  Hall,  and  appointed  Monday  last  for  a  day  of  general  rejoi 
cing  on  the  happy  occasion. 

The  morning  was  ushered  in  with  music,  ringing  of  bells,  and 
the  discharge  of  cannon,  the  ships  in  the  harbour  and  many  of  the 
houses  in  town  being  adorned  with  colours,  — joy  smiled  in  every 
countenance,  benevolence,  gratitude  and  content  seemed  the  com 
panions  of  all.  By  the  generosity  of  some  gentlemen  remarkable 
for  their  humanity  and  patriotism,  our  gaol  was  freed  of  debtors,  — 
at  one  o'clock  the  castle  and  batteries,  and  train  of  artillery  fired  a 
royal  salute  ;  and  the  afternoon  was  spent  in  mirth  and  jollity.  In 
the  evening  the  whole  town  was  beautifully  illuminated  ;  on  the 
Common  the  sons  of  liberty  erected  a  Magnificent  pyramid,  illu 
minated  with  280  lamps  ;  the  four  upper  stories  of  which  were  orna 
mented  with  the  figures  of  their  Majesties,  and  fourteen  of  the 
worthy  patriots  who  have  distinguished  themselves  by  their  love  of 
liberty.  The  following  lines  were  on  the  four  sides  of  the  next 
apartment,  which  referred  to  the  emblematical  figures  on  the  lower 
story,  the  whole  supported  by  a  large  base  of  the  doric  order. 

On  the  first  side  :  — 

O  thou   whom  next  to  heav'n  we  most  revere, 

Fair  Liberty  !  thou  lovely  goddess  hear  ! 

Have  we  not  woo'd  thee,  won  thee,  held  thee  long, 

Laid  in  thy  lap,  and  melted  on  thy  tongue, 

Thr»  deaths  and  dangers  rugged  paths  pursu'd, 

And  led  thee  smiling  to  this  solitude; 


128  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

.    Hid  thee  within  our  hearts  most  golden  cell, 

And  brav'd  the  powers  of  earth  and  powers  of  hell, 
Goddess!  we  cannot  part,  thou  must  not  fly  — 
Be  slaves !  we  dare  to  scorn  it  —  dare  to  die. 

On  the  second  side  :  — 

While  clanging  chains  and  curses  shall  salute 
Thine  ears  remorseless  G — le,  thine  O  B — e 
To  you  blest  patriots,  we  our  cause  submit, 
Illustrious  (Camden)  Britain's  guardian,   Pitt ! 
Recede  not,   frown  not,  rather  let  us  be 
Deprived  of  being,  than  of  Liberty. 
Let  fraud  or  malice  blacken  all  our  crimes, 
No  disaffection  stains  these  peaceful  climes; 
O  save  us,  shield  us  from  impending  woes, 
The  foes  of  Britain  only  are  our  foes. 

On  the  third  side  :  — 

Boast  foul  oppression  !  boast  thy  transient  reign, 

While  honest  freedom  struggles  with  her  chain, 

But  know  the  sons  of  virtue,  hardy,  brave, 

Disdain  to  lose  thro'  mean  despair  to  save. 

Arous'd  in  thunder,  awful  they  appear 

With  proud  deliverance  stalking  in  their  rear. 

While  tyrant  foes  their  pallid  fears  betray, 

Shrink  from  their  arms,  and  give  their  vengeance  way, 

See  in  th'   unequal  war  oppressors  fall, 

The  hate,  contempt  and  endless  curse  of  all. 

On  the  fourth  side  :  — 

Our  faith  approv'd,   our  Liberty  restored, 

Our  hearts  bend  gratefully  to  our  sov'r'gn  Lord; 

Hail  darling  Monarch!  by  this  act  endear'd 

Our  firm  affections  are  thy  best  reward. 

Sh'd  Britain's  self,   against  herself  divide, 

And  hostile  armies  frown  on  either  side,— 

Sh'd  hosts  rebellious,   shake  our   Brunswick's  throne, 

And  as  they  dar'd  thy  parent,   dare  the  son, 

To  this  asylum  stretch  thine  happy  wing, 

And  we'll  contend,  who  best  shall  love  our  King. 

On  the  top  of  the  pyramid  was  fixed  a  round  box  of  fireworks 
horizontally,    About  one  hundred  yards  from  the  pyramid  the  sons 


s  - 

II 


I ! 

Q       C 

8  ^ 
S  s 

o  ^ 


HANCOCK  FREELY   TREATS    TO  MADEIRA        1 29 

of  liberty  erected  a  stage  for  the  exhibition  of  their  fireworks,  near 
the  workhouse,  in  the  lower  room  of  which  they  entertained  the 
gentlemen  of  the  town.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  who  gave  a  grand 
and  elegant  entertainment  to  the  genteel  part  of  the  town,  and 
treated  the  populace  with  a  pipe  of  Madeira  wine,  erected  at  the 
front  of  his  house,  which  was  magnificently  illuminated,  a  stage  for 
the  exhibition  of  fireworks,  which  was  to  answer  those  of  the  sons 
of  liberty !  At  dusk  the  scene  opened  by  the  discharge  of  twelve 
rockets  from  each  stage;  after  which  the  figures  on  the  pyramid 
were  uncovered,  making  a  beautiful  appearance.  To  give  a  descrip 
tion  of  the  great  variety  of  fireworks  exhibited  from  this  time  till 
eleven  o'clock  would  be  endless  —  the  air  was  filled  with  rockets  — 
the  ground  with  beehives  and  serpents  —  and  the  two  stages  with 
wheels  of  fireworks  of  various  sorts. 

Mr.  Otis  and  some  other  gentlemen  who  lived  near  the  Com 
mon  kept  open  house,  the  whole  evening,  which  was  very  pleasant ; 
the  multitude  of  gentlemen  and  ladies,  who  were  continually  pass 
ing  from  one  place  to  another,  added  much  to  the  brilliancy  of  the 
night.  At  eleven  o'clock,  the  signal  being  given  by  a  discharge  of 
21  rockets,  the  horizontal  wheel  on  the  top  of  the  pyramid  or  obe 
lisk  was  played  off,  ending  in  the  discharge  of  16  dozen  of  serpents 
in  the  air,  which  concluded  the  show.  To  the  honor  of  the  sons 
of  liberty  we  can  with  pleasure  inform  the  world  that  everything 
was  conducted  with  the  utmost  decency  and  good  order,  not  a  reflec 
tion  cast  on  any  character,  nor  the  least  disorder  during  the  whole 


John  Hancock  was  chosen  one  of  four  representatives 
to  the  General  Court  for  1766-1767.  This  brought 
added  burdens  and  responsibility  upon  the  merchant. 
It  also  afforded  him  an  opportunity  for  proving  the  sin- 

1  By  the  foregoing  account  it  is  seen  that  fireworks  were  used  as  a 
means  of  public  expression  of  joy  long  before  the  Declaration  of  Indepen 
dence.  It  was  recorded  by  Rev.  Mr.  Bridge  of  Chelrnsford,  Mass.,  on 
Oct.  25,  1759,  that  "a  half  doz.  Sky  Rockets  were  exploded"  upon  the 
receipt  of  the  intelligence  "  of  the  reduction  of  Quebec." 

John  Hancock,  in  a  letter  of  Nov.  18,  1767,  to  George  Haley,  says, 
"  Please  to  send  me  '  The  Art  of  making  Artificial  fireworks  wth  the  method 
of  Extracting  Saltpetre  &c  '  by  Robert  Jones,  Lieut,  of  Artillery,  first  pub 
lished  by  subscription,  1766,  octavo  wth  cults." 


130  JOHN  HANCOCK',   HIS  BOOK 

cerity  of  his  letter  to  his  London  agents,  in  which  he  de 
nounced  the  Stamp-act  riot.  At  this  General  Court  there 
was  passed  an  act  for  collecting  a  tax  on  imports.  This 
materially  affected  John  Hancock ;  but  it  was  a  tax  of 
their  own  laying,  and  aroused  no  serious  opposition. 
The  spring  was  now  fully  upon  him  ;  never  before  did 
June  days  seem  to  afford  such  pleasure.  The  oppres 
sion  of  the  Stamp  Act  had  been  averted,  and  merchants 
felt  that  the  future  was  secure.  With  all  this  to  exhil 
arate  John  Hancock,  he  took  his  quill,  and  resumed 
business  activity  :  — 

BOSTON,  JiDie  6th,  1766. 

GENL.  :  I  wrote  you  by  Jarvis,  when  I  acknowledged  the  Rect. 
of  your  fav'rs  by  Coffin,  Blake,  Shard  &  Marshall,  since  wch  have 
none  of  yo'r  fav'rs.  I  must  beg  your  further  excuse,  as  I  cannot  by 
this  ship  make  a  particular  reply  to  yo'r  Letter,  being  very  much 
engaged.  I  duly  observe  the  contents  &  with  regard  to  the  Boston 
Packett,  shall  as  soon  as  I  hear  from  Folger,  Determine  that  matter 
as  you  desire  of  wch  shall  write. 

This  I  hope  you  will  Rec'e  by  the  ship  Liberty,  Henry  Smith, 
Mas'r.,  who  I  have  Loaded  on  my  own  accott  and  now  Inclose  you 
Invo.  &  Bill  of  Lading  of  cargo  on  board  the  Liberty  for  my  accott. 
Say  Oyl,  Tar,  Turpentine,  Pottashes,  Logwood  £  Staves  to  your 
address  wch  I  wish  may  arrive  safe  &  meet  a  tolerable  market.  I 
doubt  not  your  best  Endeavours  to  obtain  the  best  prices  &  Recom 
mend  your  Disposing  of  it  as  soon  as  you  can  on  the  best  terms 
that  you  may  be  in  cash,  the  Neat  proceeds  of  wc'i  you  will  please 
to  pass  to  my  credit  with  B  &  H  unless  you  have  settled  that  accott ; 
that  Ballance  to  your  accott  &  pray  you  will  as  soon  as  you  can  send 
sales  of  this  cargo  with  all  charges  attending  the  ship  &  also  send 
the  accott.  of  the  Liberty,  the  former  voyage.  .  .  • 

This  ship  Liberty  I  should  be  fond  of  selling  £  Recommend  to 
you  to  use  your  best  Endeavours  for  that  purpose  I  would  not  give 
her  away,  but  if  she  will  fetch  a  ^1000  sterlg.  I  should  be  glad  to 
part  with  her  &  she  is  Really  worth  that,  upon  the  whole  I  Leave 
her  with  you  to  do  what  you  judge  most  for  my  interest.  I  should 
prefer  Disposing  of  her  to  any  tolerable  price.  .  .  .  But  if  on  the 
whole  you  cannot  dispose  of  the  ship,  I  pray  the  favr.  you  will  en- 


THE   SHIP  LIBERTY  131 

deavour  to  obtain  some  employ  for  her,  &  if  after  strict  enquiry 
nothing  better  offers  £  a  freight  to  Lisbon  can  be  had,  you  will 
please  to  order  to  that  place,  &  then  take  in  a  Load  of  Salt  for 
this  place,  tho.  I  should  much  rather  the  ship  was  sold,  £  I 
must  renew  my  desire  to  you  on  that  Head.  I  have  drawn  on 
you  of  this  date  No.  51,  in  fav'r  Mrs.  Abigail  Whitney  and 
daughter  for  ^300  st'rl'g,  wd»  you  will  please  to  honour  &  charge 
to  my  accott.  My  bills  are  under  the  same  directions  to  your  late 
Co.  I  have  been  so  hurried  have  not  altered  them.  Yet  this  you 
will  excuse. 

I  should  be  very  glad,  if  not  already  done,  that  you  will  plan  to 
close  my  accott.  with  the  late  com  p.  of  Barnards  &  Harrison  £  that 
the  Balla.  either  may  be  carried  to  accott.  with  you,  £  pray  include 
all  remittances. 

I  cannot  determine  when  I  shall  get  Marshall  away.  Oyl  is  not 
yet  at  markett,  but  you  may  depend  I  shall  use  the  greatest  Dis 
patch  in  Loading  her.  I  am  not  able  to  say  anything  as  to  the 
price  of  Oyl  at  present,  but  fear  it  will  be  rather  high,  but  what  I 
purchase  shall  be  on  the  best  Terms  &  shall  endeavour  that  the 
price  be  as  low  as  possible.  I  duly  note  what  you  say  of  whale  Bone 
£  shall  be  mindfull  to  purchase  what  I  can  that  is  good  &  shall 
advise  you  as  I  go  on. 

My  best  wishes  attend  for  every  kind  of  Felicity  £  believe  me 
with  great  truth  £  affection  Gent'n. 

Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

MESSRS  HARRISONS  &  BARNARDS. 

Hancock  next  writes  to  his  London  agents,  express 
ing  gratitude  for  courtesies  shown  to  Mr.  Bowes,  and 
says  :  — 

I  shall  be  glad  of  your  advice  to  him  in  all  Respects.  I  think  it 
best  to  embrace  the  first  good  opportunity  to  Return.  I  am  much 
hurried,  you  may  depend  on  every  service  in  my  power  to  promote 
the  Interests  of  your  house. 

On  June  30,  in  addressing  Harrisons  &  Barnards,  he 
mentions  having  received  a  letter  from  merchants  in 
London,  and  that  it  led  to  the  calling  a  meeting  of 
Boston  merchants. 


132  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  laid  the  Letters  before  them  for  their  consideration.  We  are 
much  obliged  to  you  for  your  Exertions  &  Endeavors  to  remove 
our  grievances  £  doubt  not  but  the  Colonies  will  ever  show  great 
gratitude  to  their  Benefactors,  such  certainly  is  the  disposition  of 
the  people  of  this  province. 

I  am  with  much  esteem. 

Gent'n,  Yr.  Most  Humble  Servt. 


HANCOCK'S  ILL   HEALTH  133 


CHAPTER    XIV 

HANCOCK'S  ILL  HEALTH.  A  MERCHANT'S  SHREWDNESS.  AB 
SORBING  CARES.  POWER  OF  RESENTMENT.  BOSTON  HAR 
BOR  FROZEN  OVER.  SCARCITY  OF  MONEY.  HANCOCK 
REPRESENTS  BOSTON  IN  THE  GENERAL  COURT.  HANCOCK 
RECOMMENDS  JAMES  OTIS,  ESQ.,  AS  AN  ATTORNEY.  CHANGE 
IN  LONDON  AGENTS.  HANCOCK  SCATTERS  GUINEAS  AMONG 
HIS  POOR  TENANTS.  NON-IMPORTATION  RESOLUTIONS  ARE 
REVIVED.  ORDERS  WINE  FROM  MADEIRA.  HANCOCK  HAD 
EVERYTHING  TO  LOSE  AND  NOTHING  TO  GAIN. 

A  LETTER  of  July  28,  1766,  affords  light  on  the  finan 
cial  management  of  business  :  — 

I  have  Drawn  a  few  Bills  on  you  as  at  Bottom  hereof.  I  could 
not  avoid  it,  you  will  please  to  honour  &  Charge  to  my  accosts.  I 
shall  hope  soon  to  Rec'e  my  acco'tt  Curr'tt.  I  know  not  how  my 
Acco'tt  stands  with  yo'r  late  Co.  I  want  to  have  that  acco'tt  Settled. 
I  hope  by  this  my  Ship  Liberty  is  safe  with  you,  I  wish  you  may 
be  able  to  Dispose  of  her  to  my  advantage  pray  do  the  best  you  can 
for  me. 

You  must  Excuse  my  adding  being  very  unwell  &  Scott  waits  only 
for  my  Dispatches,  that  I  must  Close,  shall  soon  write  you  again. 

My  best  wishes  attend  you  for  every  Felicity  &  I  am  with  perfect 
esteem  Gent'n, 

Your  most  obed't  Humble  Serv't. 
Bills  drawn,  viz. : 

To  S.  Whitney  &  daughter     .  v.  52  26th  July     ^300 
Jos.  &  Danl.  Waldo     ...       53  do  300  for  Pottash 

Jno.  Cunningham    ....       54  28th  July        200 
Wharton  &  Bowes  .      .     .      .       55  do  170 

do.  ....       56  do.  105 

Clement  Jackson     ....       57  do.  400 


134  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  could  not  avoid,  as  I  must  keep  some  money  by  me  ready  for 
Bone  &  oyl  as  it  comes  in.  Inclos'd  you  have  Duplicate  of  Inv'o 
for  fall  goods. 

MESS  HARRISONS  &  BARNARDS. 

The  session  of  the  General  Court  which  began  May 
28  was  a  stormy  one,  and  Hancock  was  soon  reported 
too  ill  to  attend  to  all  that  demanded  his  attention. 

In  a  letter  of  Oct.  7,  1766,  he  speaks  of  illness.  It 
seems  to  be  the  alarm-signal  of  an  overtaxed  physical 
and  mental  system.  On  Oct.  I  5  he  sends  to  London 
for  four  pieces  of  very  best  Bay  Holland  and  two  of 
best  cambric  "  for  my  own  use.  Pray  let  them  be  the 
very  best  &  well  chosen."  He  asks  for  directions  about 
disposing  of  a  trunk  of  silks  shipped  some  time  before. 
He  says,  "They  lay  in  my  store.  I  can  never  sell  them, 
&  wait  your  directions."  He  writes  that  Lane,  Benson, 
&  Co.,  of  Cork,  have  some  demands  against  him,  and 
adds  :  - 

They  have  but  an  indifferent  opinion  of  me,  but  I  can't  help  it. 
I  could  wish  it  had  been  otherwise.  I  hope  my  friend  Bowes  will 
come  in  ship  Thames,  and  that  he  has  conducted  himself  in  Lon 
don  so  as  to  merit  your  esteem  and  approbation. 

He  fails  to  realize  that  sudden  improvement  in  busi 
ness  which  he  anticipated.  He  says  :  — 

Our  trade  is  very  dull,  money  very  scarce  and  but  an  indifferent 
prospect  of  carrying  on  Business  to  any  advantage.  Out  of  all  my 
connections  and  debts  I  can't  raise  cash  enough  for  a  Load  of  Oyle 
without  drawing  my  own  Bills. 

By  Nov.  8  his  spirits  have  revived,  and  he  is  evidently 
exulting  because  of  some  advantage  obtained  over  his 
commercial  competitor,  Mr.  Rotch.  He  says:  — 

I  have  now  so  well  established  in  those  concerns  in  the  Whale 
Fishery  that  I  can  have  the  refusal  of  almost  all  their  oyl  &  I  think 


//    MERCHANT'S  SHREWDNESS  135 

Mr.  R h  has  had  small  success  in  purchasing  &  by  far  the  great 
est  quantity  ot'oyl  will  be  in  your  hands  which  is  my  aim. 

1  am  now  fitting  up  the  ship  Thomas,  Wm.  Davis  mastr.  with 
oyl.  My  view  in  this  is  to  prevent  their  purchasing  and  to  hinder 
what  oyl  I  can  going  into  other  hands,  as  by  large  quantities  cen 
tering  with  you,  you  will  be  better  able  to  command  a  price  &  I 
hope  you  will  approve  this.  I  believe  I  may  say  1  have  purchased 
the  greater  quantity  of  what  oyl  has  been  caught  this  season  &  after 
the  ships  Freeman  £  Daverson  are  gone  I  know  not  of  any  oyl  but 
what  I  have  got.  That  I  can't  but  think  you  will  have  it  in  your 
power  almost  to  obtain  your  own  price  for  it.  I  doubt  not  but  you 
will  exert  yourself  in  the  Disposition  of  it. 

On  Nov.  10  he  writes  to  his  London  agents.  The 
burden  of  his  letter  seems  to  be  complaints  of  a  charge 
for  interest  on  his  unsettled  account  with  them.  He 
mentions  that  he  has  two  thousand  barrels  of  oil  to 
ship.  He  also  lets  them  know  that  other  business  firms 
are  soliciting  his  patronage,  thus  :  — 

I  hear  Messrs.  Kilby  &  Symes  are  setting  up  a  House  to  be  con 
nected  here.  I  believe  they  will  not  succeed  here,  persons  are  not 
fond  of  forsaking  old  friends  for  new  ones,  for  my  part,  I  am  not. 
I  think  already  there  are  Houses  enough  established  to  transact 
what  Business  may  be  carried  on  to  advantage.  Mr.  Willim.  But 
ters  has  also  wrote  me  on  this  subject,  but  I  wave  my  connection 
with  others,  having  the  strictest  Dependence  on  you  both  in  point 
of  Honor  &  friendship.  I  shall  soon  write  you  again.  I  have  been 
&  still  am  so  excessively  hurried  that  I  have  scarcely  time  to  sleep, 
what  with  attending  court  in  the  House  of  Assembly,  my  own  store 
&  ships  in  &  out.  Whalemen  fitting  out  for  the  West  Indies  &  all 
my  oyle  men  with  open  mouths  gaping  for  money.  I  have  enough 
to  do,  but  you  &  I  love  hurry  which  will  be  my  lot  while  I  live. 

I  am  with  perfect  Esteem  Gent" 

Your  affectionate  Friend  £  oblig'd 

Humble  Servt- 

MESS.  HARRISONS  &  BARNAHDS. 

There  is  appended  to  this  letter  a  list  of  bills  drawn 
on  the  London  house  to  the  amount  of  ,£4,524.  Han- 


136  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

cock's  business  "taffy,"  as  it  would  be  termed  in  mod 
ern  parlance,  did  not  accomplish  what  it  was  expected  to 
effect.  He  writes  to  the  same  agents  on  Dec.  3, 
1766:- 

To  be  open  &  honest,  I  now  tell  you  I  will  never  excede  to  it  — 
otherways  —  really  Gent'n.  it  is  making  a  mere  fool  of  me.  I  am 
not  as  void  of  common  sense,  as  to  give  way  in  this,  contrary  to  my 
own  judgment,  but  I  wave  expressing  fully  my  sentiments  as  to  your 
transactions  in  this  matter,  but  will  only  say  that  I  expect  you  will 
credit  my  acct.  for  the  ,£300  &  interest  charged  upon  it,  which  if  I 
have  not  an  acct.  from  you  of  its  being  done  in  the  first  letter  I  re 
ceive  from  you  after  this  reaches  you,  I  will  upon  my  Honor  & 
Reputation  send  a  single  writ  down  to  Casco  Bay  &  take  Savage  & 
secure  myself  for  the  ^300  with  Interest.  1  will  strictly  abide  by 
all  my  letters,  but  this  treatment  really  vexes  me  &  I  see  so  much 
of  the  world  that  I  am  almost  tempted  to  say  I  will  not  concern 
myself  in  trade  any  longer.  I  beg  your  attention  to  these  matters 
£  that  I  may  hear  from  you  by  the  very  first  oppory,  for  1  will  not 
loose  the  ,£300.  I  will  as  things  are  circumstanced  obtain  it  if  it  be 
to  be  had  above  ground.  I  can't  but  think  myself  very  severely 
dealt  with,  better  Treatment  Gent'n.  I  think  without  vanity  I  mer- 
itt.  Tho  I  must  say  I  see  no  Difference  between  me  &  the  most 
insignificant  correspondent  you  have.  In  short  Gent'n.  you  seem 
of  late  to  try  to  put  me  out  of  Temper  &  express  so  very  little  satis 
faction  in  my  conduct,  that  I  am  almost  tired.  No  man  can  have 
a  higher  opinion  of  you  than  myself;  nor  has  anyone  strove  more 
to  promote  your  Interests  here  than  myself.  I  cannot  live  in  con 
stant  Disputes.  I  will  live  as  agreeable  &  easy  as  I  can  &  unless  I 
can  carry  on  Business  without  being  Involved  in  so  many  perplexi 
ties  as  of  late,  I  will  either  leave  it  off  or  carry  it  on  in  another 
manner.  But  I  hope  you  will  redress  me. 

He  follows  by  saying,  "  send  me  no  more  unless  you 
can  give  me  one  year's  credit,  as  I  have  to  give  the 
same  here."  In  the  same  pouch  he  sends  an  order 
for  goods  for  William  Palfrey,  whom  he  is  aiding  to 
start  in  business.  With  other  things  for  himself  he 
orders  :  — 


ABSORBING   CARES  137 

i  Box  very  best  Tobacco  pipes  that  can  be  purchased  in  London 
for  use  of  Gent'n.  in  my  own  family.  This  article  has  been  repeat 
edly  wrote  for,  but  not  so  lucky  as  to  engage  your  attention. 

Who  cannot  fancy  an  evening  at  the  Hancock  man 
sion,  when  the  merchant  entertains  his  relatives  and 
such  guests  as  James  Otis,  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams, 
John  Rowe,  William  Phillips,  Joshua  Henshaw,  and 
other  notables  of  that  day,  who  gather  with  the  proud 
owner  about  the  grate  of  flaming  coals.  If  dress  had 
been  considered,  Samuel  Adams  would  not  have  been 
admitted  ;  for  his  snuff-brown  coat,  glistening  with  the 
effects  of  long  service,  was  in  striking  contrast  to  the 
scarlet  velvet  and  elaborate  embroidery  of  his  enter 
tainer.  But  the  republican  simplicity  of  the  man  made 
him  a  welcome  guest  among  all  genuine  patriots.  Cir 
cumstances  had  brought  Hancock  and  Adams  together 
much  of  late.  They  had  served  on  various  committees 
chosen  to  prepare  letters  and  resolutions  of  importance. 
If  Adams  wrote  the  letters,  Hancock  furnished  the 
quills.  What  one  lacked  the  other  supplied,  making  a 
most  effective  combination.  In  addition  to  the  pipes, 
Mr.  Hancock  ordered  at  the  same  time  "  4  Doz.  very 
best  India  Handkers,  for  my  own  use.  2  Doz.  of  them 
blue  ground  &  2  chocolate  ground,  pray  let  them  be 
very  best."  On  Dec.  15,  1776,  he  writes  to  introduce 
William  Breck,  who  is  just  entering  into  business.  Han 
cock  writes  :  — 

He  served  his  time  with  Mr.  Timo.  Newell ;  from  the  knowledge 
I  have  of  the  Simplicity  &  Integrity  of  this  young  man,  I  could  not 
help  recommending  him  to  you  for  what  few  goods  he  may  want. 
I  shall  have  an  eye  over  him  myself. 

On  Jan.  12,  1767,  he  writes  hastily  to  "  Wm.  Reeves, 
Esq.,"  as  follows  :  — 


138  JOHN  HANCOCK,   If  IS  BOOK 

I  shall  start  Scott  as  quick  as  possible.  No  man  can  or  shall 
give  greater  Despatch  to  ships  than  myself,  neither  shall  any  man 
here  Transact  any  Business  on  better  terms  than  I  will  &  any  com 
mand  you  may  have  for,  you  may  rely  on  the  utmost  Fidelity,  Dis 
patch  &  Punctuality. 

His  later  explanation  of  a  delay  is  that  the  harbor 
has  been  frozen  up,  and  he  could  not  get  Scott  away. 
He  at  same  time  sends  to  his  agents  for- 

A  neat  silver  watch  of  about  8  Guineas  ;  2  yds  of  Green  Vel 
vet  of  a  deep  lively  green  at  abt.  10  per  yard;  4  yds  green  silk, 
being  for  a  cushion  for  a  church  Desk. 

Mr.  Hancock's  book  shows  that  he  shipped  to  Lon 
don  in  six  months  oil  to  the  amount  of  .£16,307  Ss.  On 
April  22,  1767,  he  writes  to  Harrisons,  Barnards,  & 
Co.:- 

Please  to  send  me  a  bell  for  a  church  of  the  best  kind,  about 
300  Ibs. 

This  was  probably  a  gift  to  the  church  at  Jamaica 
Plain,  where  he  had  a  summer  home.  In  May,  1767, 
he  complains  bitterly  of  the  condition  of  business. 

I  shall  stop  importing  goods  for  some  time,  they  have  been 
sold  so  low  that  nothing  can  be  got  by  the  business. 

On  July  29,  1767,  he  orders  — 

100  weight  best  moulded  tallow  candles,  200  weight  best  dipt, 
tallow  candles,  all  for  my  own  use  &  don't  fail  sending  them. 

He  adds,  in  vindication  of  former  transactions  :  — 

I  a  little  wonder  at  what  you  mention  respect'g  the  affair  of 
Mr  Arthur  Savage.  I  cannot  give  a  better  answer  to  it  than  by 
Begging  you  to  refer  to  my  two  Letters  of  Nov-r  17,  1764,  by  which 
you  will  see  I  advis'd  you  not  to  credit  him,  rather  than  anything 
encouraging,  &  the  Sincere  Dictates  of  my  conscience  are  that  I  am 


SCARCITY  Ol'    MOXEY  139 

no  more  accountable  than  the  most  indifferent  person,  that  as  you 
have  rec'd  from  him  the  ^300  I  limited  his  Credit  to,  it  is  of  course, 
cancell'd. 

He  further  adds:  - 

The  scituation  of  our  trade  &  the  scarcity  of  money  is  such  that 
I  have  almost  come  to  a  Resolution  to  suspend  the  Importation  of 
Goods  for  a  year  or  two,  till  matters  take  a  Better  turn,  &  then  shall 
have  time  to  close  all  my  accts.  Then  I  shall  know  whether  I  can 
realize  anything  or  not,  for  times  are  very  precarious.  You  ship 
goods  to  any  &  everybody,  send  for  sales  here  the  articles  we  import, 
and  employ  persons  to  purchase  up  here  our  Exporting  commodi 
ties  that  I  know  not  how  we  shall  make  remittances  for  our  goods 
already  imported.  That  I  don't  think  is  right,  for  besides  raising 
the  prices  it  must  put  us  in  Difficulty  in  remitting  &  you  must  wait 
with  patience. 

WThat  merchant  has  not  passed  through  such  seasons 
of  depression,  and  does  not  have  in  his  bosom  a  fellow- 
feeling  for  John  Hancock  in  his  fits  of  despondency  of 
more  than  a  century  ago?  What  wonder  that  he  closes 
his  letter  to  Harrisons  &  Barnards  thus  :  - 

I  am  now  very  much  engaged,  £  having  been  lately  in  a  bad 
state  of  Health  &  am  not  able  to  add  much  more  at  present ;  don't 
forget  the  candles. 

Mr.  Hancock  was  much  absorbed  in  the  business  of 
the  General  Court,  where  he  ably  served  as  chairman 
of  committees,  maturing  measures  of  the  House.  He 
became  more  and  more  positive  in  his  policy  of  resist 
ance,  as  the  conflict  between  the  governor  and  the 
House  became  more  vehement.  In  fact,  he  used  much 
time  for  the  public  good  which  might  well  have  been 
spent  in  conducting  his  own  business. 

On  Aug.  25  and  26  he  writes  to  agents,  pleading  the 
multiplicity  of  business  as  an  apology  for  neglect  of 
remittance. 


140  JOHN-  HANCOCK,   II IS  BOOK 

To  Harrison,  Barnard,  &  Sprag  he  says  :  — 

The  great  and  unreasonable  Extent  of  your  connections  here 
and  the  Many  and  frequent  Credits  you  give,  wth  the  Decline  of  our 
Trade  has  brought  me  to  a  Resolution  of  stopp'g,  at  least  for  a  few 
years  the  Importation  of  English  goods,  &  seeing  all  my  accou 
closed,  among  which  yours  is  the  greatest,  for  if  I  can  meet  with 
no  more  Indulgence  in  the  Course  of  my  Business  with  you  than 
the  man  who  perhaps  does  not  import  more  than  ^1000  a  year,  & 
the  advantage  of  his  Business  to  you  accrues  only  on  your  Exports 
of  goods,  whereas  mine  the  year  throughout  is  not  only  outward 
but  more  on  the  importation  from  me.  I  say  if  I  can  be  only  on 
a  footing,  it  is  time  for  me  to  close,  &  establish  my  Concern  on  a 
more  equitable  basis,  wch  I  think  is  but  Reasonable. 

His  consignments  of  whale-oil  have  not  been  giving 
satisfaction  in  London  and  other  markets,  and  there  has 
come  to  him  a  polite  suggestion  that  there  be  sent  over 
from  London  a  man  to  inspect  the  oil,  etc.,  before  it  is 
shipped.  This  does  not  meet  with  a  very  pleasant  re 
ception  on  the  part  of  Hancock,  who  in  a  reply  of  Sept. 
2,  1767,  to  his  London  agents,  says:  — 

I  note  particularly  what  you  say  at  waiting  my  answer  to  a  pro 
posal  you  have  made,  by  the  instigation  of  Messrs.  Moor  &  Smith, 
to  send  me  over  a  man  to  inspect  Oyl  that  I  may  purchase.  What 
you  mean,  Gentln.,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  know.  When  I  am  in  want  of 
a  Guardian  our  laws  will  appoint  one.  Really  I  know  not  what  you 
think.  I  am  a  Judge  for  myself,  &  if  you  do  not  think  me  a  Judge 
for  you,  I  pray  you  would  not  employ  me,  for  I  will  never  submit  to 
have  a  man  sent  over  to  inspect  my  business,  to  make  me  the  ridi 
cule  of  the  merchts.,  neither  do  I  Choose  that  the  Oyle  I  send  home 
should  be  put  into  the  hands  of  those  Gent"  on  the  terms  you  have 
contracted  with  them. 

On  Sept.  3  Hancock  writes  a  letter  which  shows  his 
power  of  resentment  to  its  fullest  extent :  — 

MR.  WM.  JONES  :  — 

Your  treatment  of  me  has  been  such  as  to  render  you  unworthy 
of  my  notice,  even  by  my  letters.  But  I  shall  not  take  up  my  time 


POWER   OF  KESENTMENT  141 

to  inveigh  against  you.  Shall  only  say  that  you  have  deviated  from 
as  solemn  engagement  as  words  could  form.  My  Reliance  upon 
your  honor  has  been  the  means  of  my  losing  at  least  ^500  stg. 
Your  taking  the  advantage  of  me,  because  our  agreement  was  not 
committed  to  writing,  as  we  were  upon  honor,  I  must  tell  you  is 
beneath  the  character  of  a  gentleman  £  what  no  man  would  have 
been  guilty  of  that  had  the  best  notions  of  honor.  I  forbear  men 
tioning  the  circumstance  of  the  affair,  as  it  is  very  disagreeable  to 
me.  I  greatly  reflect  upon  myself  that  I  should  submit  to  your  Re 
peated  solicitations  to  form  a  connection.  It  was  contrary  to  the 
advice  of  my  friends  who  knew  you 
better  than  I  did.  The  goods  you 
consigned  me  on  your  return  to  Bris 
tol  you  may  order  out  of  my  hands 
when  you  please,  for  you  can't  ex 
pect  that  I  should  be  accountable 
when  you  have  broke  the  terms  on 
which  they  were  sent.  I  now  utterly  HANCOCK  SUN-DIAL. 

forbid  you  ever  to  ship  me  a  single  (Lexington  Library.) 

article  again  &  desire  you  will  never 

more  solicit  me  on  that  head.  I  Despise  you  for  your  conduct 
towards  me  &  desire  no  connection  with  you.  You  have  greatly 
deceived  me,  but  it  shall  be  the  last  time.  As  soon  as  the  ship 
is  sold  &  her  accts.  settled  &  I  know  what  I  loose  by  her  I  shall 
then  take  advice  as  to  Recovering  it  of  you. 

I  am  for  form  sake,  Your  Humble  Servt. 

A  letter  to  William  Reeves  explains  the  unsettled 
condition  of  trade  at  this  time  :  — 

It  is  surprising  to  me  that  so  many  attempts  are  made  on  yr. 
side  to  cramp  our  Trade.  New  Duties  every  day,  increasing,  in 
short  we  are  in  a  fair  way  of  being  Ruined,  We  have  nothing  to 
do  but  unite  &  come  under  a  solemn  agreement  to  stop  importing 
any  goods  from  England,  at  least  for  a  year.  This,  I  am  deter 
mined  to  promote,  all  in  my  power,  &  as  to  myself,  I  am  resolved, 
till  I  see  affairs  on  a  better  footing  not  to  import  any  kind  of  goods 
from  England  &  will  effect  it  with  others,  as  far  as  my  influence  will 
prevail.  The  articles  of  Glass,  etc.,  I  find  has  a  new  duty  fixed 
upon  it.  I  will  sooner  shut  up  my  windows  or  undergo  many  in 
conveniences  before  I  will  Import  a  single  Box. 


142  JOHN  HANCOCK,   JUS  BOOK 

Hancock  writes  to  his  London  agents,  advising  them 
to  employ,  as  their  attorney  here,  James  Otis,  who,  he 
says,  since  the  death  of  Mr.  Gridley,  is  the  first  of  the 
profession.  He  offers  to  receive  and  remit  any  moneys 
that  Otis  may  collect  for  him.  In  the  same  letters  he 
again  strongly  objects  to  the  suggestion  to  send  over 
an  inspector  of  oil,  and  concludes  his  long  letter  thus  :  — 

You  never  make  any  mention  to  me  of  public  matters.  Your 
hints  on  that  .subject  would  be  very  agreeable.  Could  you  be 
brought  to  Realize  that  the  salvation  of  Great  Britain  &  America 
are  connected,  I  am  sure  you  would  not  be  so  silent.  I  observe 
what  you  say  of  Marshall.  1  think  he  ought  to  wait,  or  any  other 
vessel,  for  freight.  We  had  much  better  dispose  of  our  vessels  than 
sink  so  much  money.  She  had  better  bring  stones  than  coals.  I 
pray  you  would  not  send  any  more,  they  are  cheaper  here  than  in 
London. 

The  indignation  of  Hancock  seen  in  previous  letters 
was  aroused  through  his  interest  in  the  welfare  of  his 
country,  while  the  following  letter  shows  the  same  spirit 
aroused  through  alleged  personal  injury.  It  marks  the 
beginning  of  the  end  of  a  long  and  extensive  business 
correspondence  between  the  Hancock  firm  and  that  of 
Barnard  &  Harrison. 

I  received  your  Letter  of  I5th  July  which  I  heartily  wish  had  got 
here  in  a  tolerable  passage,  as  if  it  had  Gent'n.  suffer  me  to  tell  you, 
it  would  from  the  Contents  have  much  altered  my  plan  of  Business 
this  Fall ;  such  a  Letter  I  despise,  &  is  what  no  man  who  had  any 
knowledge  of  me  would  have  dar'd  to  address  to  me.  for  God's  sake 
Gent'n.  what  can  be  your  intentions,  if  your  aim  is  to  injure  my 
reputation  you  will  fail  in  your  attempt,  neither  is  it  in  your  or  any 
man's  power  to  hurt  my  Credit  in  this  part  of  the  world,  but  it  ap 
pears  to  me  you  are  injuring  yourselves.  I  mean  as  to  connections 
in  Business  &  tho1  by  experience  I  find  I  have  no  influence  with  you, 
let  me  tell  you,  I  am  one  of  no  small  influence  here,  &  am  greatly 
offended  at  the  liberties  you  take  with  me  in  your  Letters  £  is  what 


rOWER    OF  RESENTMENT  143 

I  should  have  disdained  to  have  wrote  a  man  of  much  less  Conse 
quence  than  myself. 

You  can  be  at  no  loss  to  determine  what  particular  passages  in 
your  Letter  I  refer  to,  but  will  in  the  first  place  mention  your  Letter 
to  Mr.  Palfrey  upon  the  same  subject  with  the  Paragraph  in  yours 
respecting  that  Genfn.  You  say  you  received  his  letter  &  pay  a 
propper  Respect  to  him  &  my  recommendation,  but  as  you  are  de 
termined  to  retrench  your  trade,  you  must  beg  to  be  excused,  send 
ing  his  goods.  In  your  letter  to  me  you  say,  "  We  have  wrote  Mr 
Palfrey  by  this  opportunity  acquainting  him  that  we  must  decline  his 
orders,  we  have  the  highest  opinion  of  your  good  intention  towards 
us,  &  you  will  we  doubt  not  excuse  us.1' 

How  Repugnant  is  your  conduct  to  your  expression  in  your  Let 
ters  to  say  you  have  the  highest  opinion  of  my  good  intentions  & 
to  act  so  contrary,  nay  openly  &  in  Effect,  to  say  that  I  am  not  of 
Reputation  &  Credit  enough  to  answer  for  the  Goods.  You  say  you 
want  to  retrench  your  Trade.  Why  Gent'n.  am  I  the  first  object  of 
your  Trial?  I  should  not  have  expected  this  from  those  with  whom 
the  whole  extent  of  my  Business,  centrs,  that  I  should  be  one  of  the 
first  to  be  Refused  Goods  is  truly  very  astonishing  to  me,  that  an 
Invoice  sent  home  to  you  for  a  few  goods  to  stock  my  own  shop 
under  the  direction  of  Mr.  Palfrey  should  be  refused  is  as  high  an 
affront  as  I  can  receive  &  what  I  shall  not  very  readily  put  up  with. 
I  look'd  upon  my  recommendation  &  Credit  to  be  of  some  weight 
with  you,  but  I  find  it  otherwise,  if  500  shop  keepers  were  recom 
mended  by  some  they  would  be  instantly  supplied  &  if  I  can't  be  on 
at  least  the  same  footing  with  them  it  is  time  to  withdraw  my  con 
nections  in  Business  &  retire.  I  could  have  wished  you  had  not 
ship'd  my  Goods.  You  might  with  equal  propriety  have  refus'd  in 
this  instance  as  well  as  the  other,  &  your  conduct  towards  me 
Gent'n.  is  unaccountable.  I  am  really  much  troubled  &  look  upon 
myself  extremely  ill  used.  I  can  not  see  how  you  can  reconcile  it. 

Another  instance  of  your  extraordinary  conduct  is  In  the  refusal 
of  the  Goods  to  Mess.  Cazneaus  who  I  strongly  recommended  to 
you  with  this  additional  agravation  that  They  sent  you  my  bill  of 
^200,  in  part  pay  for  the  goods,  is  not  this  conduct  a  very  great 
slight  upon  me  &  paying  a  very  little  Credit  to  my  Recommenda 
tion  or  my  Bill.  It  is  in  effect  protesting  my  Bill.  I  am  amazed  & 
it  wholly  divests  me  of  all  manner  of  patience.  I  am  now  to  desire 
you  will  please  to  order  my  whole  accott.  to  be  got  out  &  sent  me 
&  if  after  examination  they  appear  to  be  right,  I  will  instantly  order 


144  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

you  the  full  balance,  with  as  many  thanks  for  your  many  services 
hitherto. 

But  I  must  add  Genf  n.  from  the  treatment  I  have  had  that  un 
less  matters  can  be  better  Reconciled  I  must  wave  my  Connections. 
I  stand  ready  at  an  hours  warning  to  pay  every  debt  I  owe  in  the 
world  but  as  I  can't  be  thought  by  you  to  be  Responsible  for  ^500 
I  must  apply  to  those  who  have  a  better  opinion  of  me  than  you 
have. 

I  always  chuse  Gentn.  to  be  open  and  explicit.  I  have  wrote 
Mr.  Haley  by  this  opportunity  on  the  subject  of  connection  in  Busi 
ness,  &  proposed  opening  a  Correspondence  with  him  at  least  till  I 
can  have  an  explanation  from  you.  I  look  on  myself  a  man  of  Cap 
ital  &  am  not  to  be  put  on  a  footing  with  every  two  penny  Shop 
keeper  that  addresses  You.  I  am  greatly  amaz'd  at  your  conduct. 
I  think  I  am  very  poorly  treated,  &  I  suppose  the  only  instance  in 
town.  I  doubt  not  when  Scott  arrives  he  will  bring  Goods  for 
every  Shop  Keeper  that  deals  with  you,  &  to  refuse  me  Goods 
Gentn.  is  what  I  can't  bear.  I  am  ready  to  pay  you  every  farthing 
I  owe  you.  You  have  effected  me  in  the  tenderest  point. 

I  have  determined  to  sending  Invoice  to  Mr.  Haley  for  a  spring 
supply,  £  let  me  tell  you  you  are  oblig'd  to  me  for  some  of  your 
best  Correspondents,  who  would  naturally  be  induced  to  deal  with 
the  man  I  engage  with,  &  will  follow  me,  and  although  my  business 
is  not  worth  your  attention,  Yet  it  may  be  an  object  of  the  accept 
ance  of  many  a  man  in  England,  with  thanks  besides,  &  I  believe 
Mr.  Haley  will  think  so. 

Mr.  Cazneau,  whom  you  disappointed  in  his  Goods,  is  going  to 
England,  to  whom  I  shall  give  a  more  extensive  credit  than  I  did 
before,  &  dare  say  Mr.  Haley  will  readily  accept  his  Commission, 
as  to  Mr.  Palfrey's  goods,  I  shall  write  for  them  myself  to  Mr. 
Haley,  &  am  in  no  doubt  he  will  readily  oblige  me  in  sending  them. 


I  have  many  more  things  to  say  but  time  fails  me  as  I  keep  this 
vessell  wholly  for  my  Letters,  all  my  Friends  &  Connections  are 
amaz'd  at  your  Conduct,  but  I  suspend  adding  till  next  opp'y,  till 
when  I  am  Gentn 

Your  humble  Servant. 


SCATTERS  GUINEAS  AMONG  HIS    TENANTS     145 

Mr.  William  Palfrey,  whose  order  was  refused  by  the 
London  merchants,  seems  to  have  been  a  friend,  and  at 
times  confidential  clerk,  of  Hancock's.  Cazneau  was  a 


merchant  of  standing  in  Boston  at  the  same  time.  Pal 
frey  and  Cazneau  were  both  losers  by  the  great  fire  of 
1760,  the  same  fire  by  which  many  of  Hancock's  tene 
ments  were  destroyed.  When  the  homeless  tenants 
gathered  around  their  landlord,  and  expressed  sympathy 
at  his  loss,  he  remarked  that  they  were  the  greatest  suf 
ferers,  and  passed  about  a  quantity  of  guineas  among 
them. 

Having  closed  his  letters  to  Harrison,  Barnard,  & 
Sprag,  the  indignant  merchant  writes  to  George  Haley, 
Esq.,  under  the  same  date,  Oct.  16,  1767  :  — 

SIR  :  I  imagine  you  are  no  stranger  to  me  or  my  connections. 
If  you  recollect  you  may  remember  seeing  me  in  England  in  the  year 
1760,  when  I  had  the  pleasure  of  being  at  your  house.  Tho.  I  have 
no  greater  intimacy,  I  take  the  Liberty  to  address  you  on  the  sub 
ject  of  Business,  which,  as  you  well  know  my  former  connections, 
may  perhaps  be  a  little  surprising  to  you,  but  I  will  be  as  explicit 
as  the  time  will  admit,  this  vessel  being  kept  solely  for  my  letters, 
partly  to  oblige  me.  My  late  uncle  Thomas  Hancock  for  many 
years  dealt  with  the  house  of  Kilby  &  Barnard,  &  I  in  partnership 
with  him,  after  my  return  from  London  dealt  with  the  House  of  Bar 
nard  &  Harrison,  &  by  myself  since  the  decease  of  my  late  uncle, 
till  now  have  dealt  with  the  same  house,  to  a  very  large  extent.  But 
by  Capt.  Daverson,  who  arrived  yesterday,  I  Received  letters  from 
them  which  have  given  me  much  disgust  &  I  have  come  to  a  Reso 
lution  to  alter  my  connections,  the  first  person  that  occurred  to  my 
mind  was  you,  Sir  ;  upon  which  I  conversed  with  Mr.  Thomas  Gray 
on  the  subject,  who  seemed  of  opinion  you  would  with  pleasure  un 
dertake  my  concerns,  &  who  I  believe  will  write  you  on  the  same 


146  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

subject.  In  Confidence  —  Sir,  that  such  a  connection  would  be 
agreeable  to  you,  I  now  address  you  tendering  you  the  conducting 
of  all  my  affairs  that  lay  in  your  way,  at  same  time  acquainting  you 
that  I  expect  to  be  on  a  footing  even  with  the  very  best  of  your  cor 
respondents,  &  as  I  am  largely  concerned  in  navigation  you  will 
have  Spring  &  Fall  from  me,  many  consignments.  I  have  now  large 
parcels  of  Oyle,  whale  fins  &  Potashes  to  ship  waiting  the  arrival  of 
Scott,  Marshall  &  Smith  from  your  place,  whom  I  shall  despatch, 
loaded  to  your  address,  not  doubting  but  you  will  concern  yourself 
for  my  interest  as  you  do  for  others. 

Marshall  &  Scott  are  partly  owned  by  the  House  of  Harrison, 
Barnard  &  Sprag.  Those  vessels  on  their  arrival  back  to  you,  I 
shall  order  to  be  sold  £  shall  desire  you  to  purchase  for  me,  of 
which  more  hereafter.  I  have  a  new  Brig  which  I  expect  in  every 
hour,  whose  loading  is  already  in  store  on  my  wharf,  say  Oyle,  Pott- 
ashes  &c.,  which  I  shall  despatch  to  your  address,  the  vessel  to  be 
sold.  I  have  not  time  to  be  as  explicit  as  I  could  wish,  but  will  by 
next. 

My  character  £  situation  in  Life,  you  may  be  acquainted  with 
from  any  person  from  this  part  of  the  world,  from  Harrison  &  Co., 
from  Mr.  Trecothick,  Mr.  Lane  &  many  others,  but  really  I  address 
you  Sir,  as  a  man  on  whom  you  may  depend,  &  a  man  of  capital  & 
in  whom  I  have  the  vanity  to  say,  you  may  confide. 

The  vessel  by  whom  this  goes,  I  have  loaded  with  Oyle  &c.,  to 
the  address  of  Harrison  &  Co.  My  letters  were  all  finished  &  deliv 
ered  before  Daverson  arrived,  otherwise  I  should  have  consigned 
this  to  you.  I  have  wrote  Messrs.  H.  &  Co.  very  explicitly  by  this 
opprty,  as  I  have  kept  the  vessel  on  purpose.  In  consequence  of 
this  consignment  I  have  drawn  Bills  on  them  perhaps  to  the  amt  of 
,£3000  stg.  Should  they  from  my  openness  in  addressing  them  be 
induced  to  protest  my  Bills  by  way  of  Resentment,  which  I  have 
no  suspicion  of,  I  must  take  the  liberty  to  ask  the  favor  of  you  to 
take  them  up  for  my  honor,  £  will  immediately  on  notice  order  you 
the  amount  with  any  satisfaction  for  such.  .  .  .  By  next  opportu 
nity  I  shall  write  you  more  explicitly  &  shall  forward  you  my  Invoice 
for  a  spring  supply  of  goods,  which  from  the  General  decline  of 
Trade  will  be  smaller  than  usual,  but  hope  hereafter  things  will  take 
a  more  favorable  turn.  I  shall  be  glad  of  a  letter  from  you  as  soon 
as  possible  &  should  be  glad  to  know  something  of  your  connections, 
&  whether  you  cannot  give  my  vessels  a  freight  Spring  £  Fall.  I 
dou^t  not  but  you  will  help  me  all  you  can.  Your  determination  on 


CHANGE  IN  LONDON  AGENTS  147 

these  points,  as  soon  as  may  will  be  agreeable.  I  ask  pardon  for 
the  Liberty  I  have  taken  &  in  confidence  it  shall  be  to  mutual 
advantage.  I  am  with  Esteem 

Sir- 

Your  most  obedt.  humble  servt. 
GEORGE  HALEY  ESQR. 

The  disadvantage  of  being  obliged  to  wait  many 
weeks  for  the  reply  of  acceptance  from  Mr.  Haley  did 
not  prevent  Mr.  Hancock  from  sending  goods,  assuming 
that  his  proposition  would  be  accepted  by  Haley.  Han 
cock  sends  several  cargoes  before  he  is  fully  assured 
that  he  has  a  new  agency  established  in  London. 

Mr.  Hancock  makes  frequent  complaints  of  his  ill 
health,  and  says  on  October  30  :  — 

I  have  the  misfortune  to  be  confined  to  my  Room  by  Indisposi 
tion,  but  am  in  hopes  soon  to  recover. 

Nov.  2,  1767,  he  addresses  his  former  agents  at  Lon 
don  with  bitter  complaints  of  their  treatment,  and 
says  :  — 

I  will  never  again  have  it  said  that  anyone  is  connected  with 
me  in  shipping. 

On  Nov.  6  he  sends  to  Haley  a  cargo,  with  orders  to 
have  the  vessel  proceed  with  coal  for  ballast  to  Madeira. 
He  orders  at  the  same  time,  — 

Two  pieces  of  the  very  best  English  Damask,  exactly  of  color 
of  enclosed  pattern,  which  is  only  to  show  the  color.  As  they  are 
for  my  mother  and  family,  I  beg  they  may  be  good. 

This  is  the  only  intimation  of  the  mother  of  John 
Hancock  afforded  by  the  letter-book.  But  we  have  no 
reason  to  think  that  the  boy's  affections  were  all  centred 
in  those  who  had  opened  their  luxuriant  home  to  the 
youth.  The  widow  of  Rev.  John  Hancock  of  Braintree 
had  long  before  this  date  become  the  wife  of  Rev.  Daniel 


148 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


Perkins  of  Bridgewater.1  In  fact,  John  addressed  his 
stepfather  when  he  was  in  England  under  date  of  March 
2,  1761.  He  said  :  — 

I  shall  with  satisfaction  bid  adieu  to  this  grand  place  with  all 
its  pleasurable  enjoyments  and  tempting  scenes,  for  more  substan 
tial  pleasure  which  I  promise  myself  in  the  enjoyment  of  my  friends 
in  America. 


There  was  a  twofold  interest  in  the  Perkins  family. 

A  son  of  the  Bridgewater  minister  mar- 

m^^  I        ried  Mary,  sister  of  John  Hancock  ;   and 

their    posterity    are    found    interested    in 

subsequent   history  of  the  Hancock  fam- 

1 

iB^ 


HANCOCK  DOOR 
KNOCKER. 

(Old  State  House 
Collection  ) 


On  Nov.  2  the  Brig  Lydia,  James 
Scott,  master,  sailed  with  a  cargo,  con 
signed  to  Mr.  George  Haley.  A  letter 
of  the  same  date  concludes  with  the  fol 
lowing  :  — 

I  have  sent  you  by  Capt.  Scott,  —  A  Coop  with 
It,  at  first  contained  six  pair,  some  have  died, 


some  wood  Ducks. 

but  hope  some  will  get  safe  to  you. 

i  Quintal  dun  Table  Fish, 
i  Cag  of  Pickled  Peppers. 

of  which  I  beg  your  acceptance,  if  there  be  anything  in  this  part  of 
the  world  that  would  be  agreeable  to  you  do  let  me  know  it  &  I  will 
gladly  send  it  you.  I  am  with  Esteem  Sir, 

Your  most  hble  Servant. 
GEORGE  HALEY  ESQ. 

In  the  same  vessel  he  sends  directions  to  his  former 
agents  to  have  the  brig  in  which  they  have  joint  inter 
ests  sold,  and  says  :  — 


1  Mrs.  John  Hancock,  mother  of  the  patriot,  was  Mary  Hawks,  and 
thrice  married,  first  to  Mr.  Samuel  Thaxter  of  Hingham. 


ORDER    WINE  FROM  MADEIRA  149 

I  am  determined  to  deal  for  Cash  only  and  to  keep  one  vessel 
running  just  to  bring  my  own  Goods,  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  from 
you  &  know  the  reason  why  I  am  so  freely  and  extraordinarily  dealt 
with.  I  have  gent,  the  highest  friendship  for  you,  but  I  can't  bear 
to  be  so  treated.  I  am  above  using  others  so,  &  dont  expect  it  my 
self.  I  however  hope  to  come  to  some  amicable  accommodation, 
but  my  navigation  I  am  determined  to  dispose  of,  &  now  particu 
larly  say,  that  hereafter  if  I  should  live  I  will  never  be  concerned 
with  any  one  man  again  in  Navigation,  for  I  can  afford  to  own  myself 
&  will  never  after  this  have  it  said  that  any  one  is  connected  with  me 
in  shipping.  I  will  accept  in  the  case  of  the  Thames  Capt  Watt. 
I  am  content  to  hold  my  part  of  her  if  agreeable  to  you  —  if  not 
agreeable  to  you,  I  am  content  to  sell  my  ^  of  her  to  you. 

I  am  now  so  hurried  cant  add  and  but  will  write  you  largely  soon, 

&  am 

Your  real  friend. 
HARRISON,  BARNARD  &  SPRAG. 

On  Nov.  12,  1767,  he  sends  to  Madeira  for  — 

Four  pipes  of  the  very  best  Madeira  Wine  that  you  can  possibly 
procure  for  my  own  table.  I  don't  stand  for  price,  If  it  be  good,  I 
like  a  Rich  wine.  &  if  you  can  ship  a  Pipe  of  Right  Sterling  old  Ma 
deira,  Pale  &  Good,  you  will  add  it.  I  like  pale  wine,  but  I  need 
say  no  more  than  that  they  are  for  my  own  use,  &  I  beg  they  may  be 
the  very  best  that  can  be  purchased.  Mark  them  I  *  H.  I  pray 
distinguish  them  from  any  other  on  board,  by  some  private  mark, 
acquainting  me  thereof  in  your  letter.  I  am  also  to  desire  you  will 
please  to  ship  me  by  the  same  vessel  six  pipes  of  good  salable  Ma 
deira  wine  for  our  market.  I  would  have  them  good  &  such  as  will 
answer  for  our  Public  houses  here,  where  the  best  company  resorts, 
these  you  will  mark  HK,  and  do  let  them  be  good,  of  their  kind.  I 
would  not  have  them  of  too  Inferior  quality,  for  the  cost  of  these 
wines  you  will  please  to  draw  Bill  for  my  acct.  on  George  Haley 
Esq.  Mercht  in  London  at  thirty  days  sight,  to  whom  I  have  wrote 
to  pay  due  honor  to  such,  Your  Bill. 

You  will  also  ship  by  my  sloop  Two  pipes  more  of  the  best  Ma 
deira,  consigned  to  me,  in  separate  Memo.  &  Bill  of  Invoice  Mark 
them  to  H.  G.  T.  They  are  for  the  Treasurer  of  our  Province  & 
you  will  please  to  let  them  be  good,  &  draw  for  their  cost  with  the 
other. 

If  you  or  your  friends  have  any  wine  or  freight  to  ship  this  way, 


150  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  should  be  oblig'd  to  you  to  give  my  vessell  the  preference.     She 
is  really  a  good  strong  vessel  well  found  and  a  good  master. 

I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  you  to  dispatch  my  sloop  with  the 
wines  as  soon  as  you  possibly  can,  as  I  shall  not  only  want  the 
wines  but  the  sloop,  and  you  will  please  to  receive  this  as  a  stand 
ing  order  to  ship  me  an  annual  pipe  of  the  very  best  Maderia  wine 
until  counter  manded  drawing  for  its  cost  on  Mr.  Haley.  You  will 
please  to  give  the  master  of  my  sloop  any  service  or  assistance,  Re 
specting  his  vessell  he  may  stand  in  need  of.  I  am  with  much 
respect,  Gent. 

Your  most  obedt.  servt. 

MESS.  HILL,  LAMAR  &  BISSETT. 

Six  days  later  he  adds  a  letter  in  which  he  says  :  — 

I  have  not  to  add,  but  to  desire  that  the  wine,  I  have  wrote  for 
my  own  use  may  be  of  the  very  best  and  that  those  for  sale  may  be 
good  palatable  wines.  Please  send  me  one  bushel  of  your  walnuts, 
and  draw  for  the  cost  with  the  wine. 

Nov.  21,  1767,  is  the  date  of  a  letter  to  George 
Haley,  in  which  Mr.  Hancock  says  :  — 

I  am  to  Desire  the  favr.  you  will  please  to  order  to  be  made  & 
sent  me,  as  neat  a  Mahogany  Cabinet  as  can  be  made  in  London, 
suitable  for  a  Lady's  chamber,  rather  convenient  than  Remarkable 
for  any  outward  Decorations.  I  would  have  it  very  neat  &  Respect 
able  as  it  is  for  my  Aunt,  widow  of  my  late  Uncle,  with  whom  I 
now  Reside,  £  a  Lady  for  whom  I  have  the  highest  affection  & 
Esteem. 

Under  date  of  Dec.  15,  1767,  Hancock  writes  to 
George  Haley  thus  :  — 

I  am  sorry  to  say  that  I  think  too  great  encouragement  is  given 
by  your  Gentn  Merchts  to  persons  here  of  no  capital.  I  am  quite 
confident  finally  you  must  be  great  loosers.  One  gentn  who  has 
lately  had  an  extensive  credit  from  you  has  been  a  great  hurt  to 
trade  here.  Such  credits,  not  only  hurt  your  best  friends  here,  but 
finally  yourselves.  I  just  hint  this.  You  know  who  I  mean,  I  be 
lieve  Mr.  Thomas  Gray  has  lately  been  especial  with  you,  on  this 
subject,  that  I  need  say  no  more,  only  that  if  such  persons  are  put 


NON-IMPOR  TA  TION  RESOL  UTION  I  5  I 

on  a  footing  with  men  of  Capital,  it  is  not  worth  my  while  to  be 
concerned  in  trade.  You  will  please  to  excuse  my  mentioning  this 
much. 

He  sends  in  some  orders  as  follows  :  — 

100  squares  of  best  London  glass  18  by  ni  for  the  use  of  my 
own  House  wcl),  I  pray  may  be  the  very  best. 

It  is  apparent  by  Mr.  Hancock's  letters,  as  well  as 
by  the  proceedings  of  the  Boston  town-meetings,  that 
the  restraint  which  the  people  had  voluntarily  imposed 
upon  themselves  in  regard  to  superfluities  was  thrown 
off  after  the  repeal  of  the  Stamp  Act.  They  evidently 
thought  that  all  things  were  to  be  as  they  were  before 
the  beginning  of  Stamp-act  agitation.  But  they  soon 
saw  their  mistake.  In  the  town-meeting  of  Dec.  22, 
1767,  the  question  was  freely  discussed,  and  instructions 
were  given  their  representatives  in  General  Court.  "  It 
is  with  concern,"  say  the  committee,  "we  are  obliged 
to  say,  that  under  all  this  difficulty  our  private  debts  to 
the  British  merchants  have  been  increasing ;  and  our 
importations  even  of  superfluities,  as  well  as  other  arti 
cles,  have  been  so  much  beyond  the  bounds  of  prudence, 
that  our  utmost  efforts,  it  is  to  be  feared,  will  not  save 
us  from  impending  ruin.  We  warmly  recommend  to 
you,  gentlemen,  to  exert  yourselves  in  promoting  every 
prudent  measure  which  may  be  proposed  to  put  a  stop 
to  that  profusion  of  luxury,  so  threatening  to  the  coun 
try,  to  encourage  a  spirit  of  industry  and  frugality 
among  the  people,  and  to  establish  manufactures  in  the 
Province."  The  instructions  also  urged  upon  the  atten 
tion  of  the  representatives  the  necessity  of  restraining 
the  excessive  use  and  consumption  of  spirituous  liquors 
among  the  people,  as  destructive  to  the  morals  as  well 
as  the  health  and  substance  of  the  people. 


152  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

John  Hancock  was  one  of  the  town's  representatives 
to  receive  and  apply  these  instructions.  It  is  at  this 
point  that  he  has  been  charged  with  inconsistency. 
But  we  must  bear  in  mind  that  several  months  elapsed 
between  ordering  wines  from  Madeira  for  his  own  table 
and  the  arrival  of  the  ship  which  brought  the  goods, 
and  during  this  time  the  people  have  reached  the  con 
clusion  above  stated.  Again,  it  should  be  remembered 
that  John  Hancock  was  the  most  wealthy  man  in  the 
Province ;  and  then,  as  now,  what  was  regarded  as 
great  deprivation  on  the  part  of  the  wealthy  was  rated 
as  luxury  by  those  who  were  in  more  limited  circum 
stances. 

John  Hancock  had  everything  to  lose  and  nothing  to 
gain.  During  all  these  years  of  agitation,  political 
honors  could  not  have  tempted  him ;  for  there  was  no 
prospect  of  anything  more  for  him  at  the  hands  of  his 
friends  than  he  was  freely  enjoying.  On  the  contrary, 
some  of  his  associate  agitators  had  everything  to  gain, 
and  nothing  to  lose. 


UNANIMOUS  ELECTION  TO    GENERAL    COURT      I  $3 


CHAPTER    XV 

UNANIMOUS  ELECTION  TO  THE  GENERAL  COURT.  HANCOCK 
AND  HALEY  EXCHANGE  PRESENTS.  TOWN-MEETING  AD 
JOURNED  TO  SOUTH  MEETING  HOUSE.  TROOPS  ARRIVE  IN 
BOSTON  TO  COMPEL  SUBMISSION.  HANCOCK  DENIES  A 
BOLD  ACCUSATION.  NEW  AGREEMENTS  IN  REGARD  TO 
TRADE.  GENERAL  COURT  REMOVED  TO  CAMBRIDGE.  HAN 
COCK  VINDICATES  HIMSELF. 

THE  year  1768  opens  with  but  very  slight  prospects 
of  revival  of  trade,  and  Hancock  is  greatly  annoyed.  He 
is  too  much  engaged  in  public  affairs  to  allow  his  private 
business  to  depress  him.  With  others,  he  takes  every 
step  possible  to  suppress  any  movements  tending  to  de 
prive  the  people  of  their  just  privileges.  When  deposi 
tions,  ordered  by  the  governor  in  regard  to  a  search  for 
smuggled  goods,  were  taken,  to  be  sent  to  England,  with 
out  any  record  of  them  being  made  at  home,  Mr.  Han 
cock  and  others  called  a  town-meeting,  and  had  the 
matter  investigated.  His  services  as  one  of  the  town's 
representatives  in  the  General  Court  had  been  so  satis 
factory  that  in  the  spring  of  1767  he  was  re-elected. 
This  time  he  received  the  entire  vote,  618,  while  Samuel 
Adams  received  574,  Hon.  Thomas  dishing  had  557,  and 
Hon.  James  Otis  575.  The  four  constituted  a  strong 
force  in  favor  of  the  colonies. 

Hancock's  letter  of  April  13,  1768,  expresses  the 
sentiment  of  the  merchants  at  that  time. 

It  is  to  William  Reeves,  Mercht.,  Bristol  :  — 


154  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Our  trade  is  under  such  Embarrassments  &  Impositions  that  we 
have  come  to  a  Resolution  not  to  Import  any  more  goods  for  some 
time  unless  we  are  Relieved  &  these  Acts  Repealed.  We  must  in 
evitably  be  ruined.  Our  trade  is  not  worth  a  man's  pursuit ;  pray 
appear  for  us,  for  sure  I  am,  can  our  trade  be  free  &  we  at  liberty 
to  prosecute  our  Business  as  heretofore,  it  will  redound  much  to  the 
advantage  of  Great  Britain,  for  my  own  part  it  is  not  worth  my  at 
tentions  to  procure  trade  at  present  £  if  not  altered  I  must  decline  it. 

This  renewed  resolution  to  suspend  importation  was 
occasioned  by  the  passage  of  the  Revenue  Acts  of  1 767. 
These  required  new  movements  on  the  part  of  the  pa 
triots.  The  popular  leaders,  among  whom  John  Hancock 
was  prominent,  profiting  by  past  experiences,  strove  to 
prevent  excesses,  and  labored  to  advance  their  cause 
through  the  growth  of  an  intelligent  public  opinion. 
They  were  vigilant  and  active  in  preventing  overt  acts 
when  the  newly  created  Board  of  Commissioners  of  Cus 
toms  appeared  in  Boston. 

They  had  no  sympathy  with  mobs  and  riots,  but  acted 
not  only  in  a  spirit  of  fidelity  to  liberty,  but  also  endeav 
ored  to  promote  law  and  order.  Their  movements  were 
indorsed  throughout  the  colonies,  whence  came  in  this 
extremity  the  message  :  — 

"  The  liberties  of  a  common  country  are  again  in  dan 
ger,  kindle  the  sacred  flame  that  shall  warm  and  illu 
minate  the  continent." 

It  was  because  of  the  part  taken  by  the  patriot  leaders 
that  Boston  was  said  by  the  Loyalists  to  be  under  the 
rule  of  a  trained  mob,  of  which  James  Otis  and  Samuel 
Adams  were  the  two  consuls,  Joseph  Warren  one  of 
the  chiefs,  and  John  Hancock,  having  great  wealth  and 
social  and  commercial  influence,  which  he  brought  to 
bear  upon  their  desired  ends. 

A  century's  changes  cannot  blind  us  to  the  fact  that 


HANCOCK  AND  HALEY  EXCHANGE   PRESENTS      155 

there  was  not  unanimity  among  the  patriots,  as  to  the 
best  manner  of  procedure  in  opposing  the  Revenue  Acts  ; 
but  we  must  infer  that  these  men  in  private  council 
made  plans  that  controlled  the  clubs,  and  that  they  had 
to  do  with  government,  they  controlled  the  town-meet 
ings  ;  and  the  town-meetings  controlled  the  legislature, 
and  these  controlled  the  Province. 

Thus  John  Hancock's  declaration  to  abandon  trade 
worked  itself  out  to  a  practical  conclusion. 

In  the  same  letter  to  William  Reeves,  he  notes  the 
arrival  of  a  "  Peacock  &  Hen  &  two  hampers  of  Beer," 
gifts  from  Mr.  Haley.  He  later  adds  that  "  the  Damask 
&  Cabinet  have  arrived."  These  gifts  and  purchases 
added  materially  to  the  good  appearance  and  comfort 
of  the  Hancock  home  on  Beacon  Hill.  In  the  same 
freight  he  sends  by  Captain  Scott  to  Mr.  Haley  "  a  view 
of  this  town  of  Boston  taken  from  our  Castle,  of  which 
I  beg  your  acceptance  if  agreeable  to  you." 

His  aunt's  watch  failed  to  keep  good  time  ;  and  he 
sends  it  by  Captain  Scott  to  England,  to  be  cleaned  and 
regulated.  On  April  16,  1768,  Hancock  directs  Haley 
to  honor  a  draft  in  favor  of  Nicholas  Bowes  of  ^200, 
and  one  of  .£175.  This  Bowes  is  another  of  the  cousins 
from  Bedford,  who  seems  to  be  having  kind  attentions 
from  the  merchant.  On  May  18  he  sends  to  Haley  for 
"a  right  good  bell  of  seven  hundred  weight  for  a  church, 
&  pray  let  it  be  one  of  the  best  sort.  Its  cost  charge 
to  my  acct."  It  seems  that  Hancock  is  doing  all  in  his 
power  to  have  the  towns  well  equipped  with  bells  to 
swell  the  sounds  of  joy  for  liberty,  already  in  the  air. 
The  merchant,  not  to  be  outdone  in  complimentary  gifts, 
sent  to  Mr.  Haley,  in  May,  a  huge  turtle  as  a  specimen 
of  the  animal  production  of  the  Province.  A  dressing- 


156  JOHN  HANCOCK,   IUS  BOOK 

table  soon  follows  from  the  London  agent.  Of  this 
Hancock  notes,  "  It  is  very  neat,  and  you  have  my 
warmest  thanks  for  it." 

Hancock,  who  is  still  one  of  the  selectmen,  has 
enough  to  occupy  him  in  the  discharge  of  ordinary  pub 
lic  duties  ;  but  a  new  trouble  arises.  The  frigate  Rom- 
ney,  of  fifty  guns,  arrived  from  Halifax.  The  merchants 
believed  it  was  there  to  enforce  revenue  laws.  While 
this  was  agitating  the  minds  of  the  people,  Hancock's 
ship  Liberty  arrived,  with  a  cargo  of  wine  from  Madeira, 
including  the  order  of  seven  months  ago  for  that  extra 
quality  for  the  Hancock  house,  and  also  a  subsequent 
order.  When  lying  at  Hancock's  wharf,  on  June  10, 
the  tide-waiter,  Thomas  Kirk,  went  on  board,  and  was 
followed  by  Captain  James  Marshall,  who  sailed  for 
Hancock,  with  other  of  the  friends  and  employees  of  the 
house.  They  confined  Kirk  below,  until  the  wine  was 
taken  out,  and  no  entry  made  of  it  at  the  custom-house 
or  naval  office.  An  entry  was  made  the  next  morning, 
but  was  not  credited  by  the  officials,  and  it  was  resolved 
to  seize  the  sloop.  This  was  done  amid  much  excite 
ment,  and  she  was  removed  to  within  range  of  the  guns 
of  the  Romney.  A  mob  assembled,  and  there  was  much 
destruction  of  property.  The  collector's  boat  was 
dragged  to  the  Common  and  burned.  But  the  saddest 
of  all  was  the  death  of  Captain  Marshall,  occasioned,  no 
doubt,  by  the  excitement  of  the  seizure. 

This  was  extremely  .trying  to  Hancock.  The  prop 
erty  was  for  him  and  the  treasurer,  and  this  trouble  had 
seemed  to  be  in  their  interest.  Whether  they  ever  en 
joyed  that  wine  which  they  had  anticipated  for  months 
his  letters  do  not  tell,  and  the  legal  proceedings  did  not 
reveal  the  secret.  It  may  have  gone  to  excite  the  brains 


A    TOWN-MEETING    CALLED 


157 


v     '  -• 


of  the  angry  mob,  or  been  poured  into  the  harbor. 
Hutchinson,  an  avowed  enemy  to  Hancock,  wrote  that 
it  was  carted  off  in  the  night. 

The  selectmen  called  a  town-meeting  at  once,  and  on 
June  14  there  was  such  a  crowd  at   Faneuil   Hall  that 
the  meeting  adjourned 
to  the  South  Meeting  i 

House.  A  committee 
of  twenty-one  was 
chosen  to  wait  on  his 
excellency  to  request 
him  to  order  the  re 
moval  of  the  Romney. 
A  sub-committee  of 
three,  one  being  John 
Hancock,  went  to  see 
when  the  governor 
would  be  ready  to  hear 
them ;  but,  being  at 

his  country-seat,  the  meeting  adjourned  to  give  the 
committee  time.  They  made  the  journey  to  Jamaica 
Plain  in  eleven  chaises,  and  were  politely  received. 

The  General  Court,  of  which  Hancock  was  a  repre 
sentative,  was  then  in  session  ;  but  it  could  conduct  no 
business  to  the  satisfaction  of  the  governor,  Francis  Ber 
nard.  He  ordered  the  recalling  of  circular  notices  issued 
by  the  General  Court  of  the  previous  year,  providing  for 
a  convention  of  delegates  to  consider  what  should  be 
done  for  the  safety  of  the  colonies.  The  people  had 
taken  the  government  into  their  own  hands,  and  he  pro 
rogued  the  court.  It  was  while  in  this  state  of  excite 
ment  that  John  Hancock  retired  to  his  office,  and  wrote 
to  "  George  Haley,  Esq."  :  — 


THE    PROVINCE    HOUSE. 


158  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Under  the  present  Burthen  on  trade  no  goods  will  be  imported, 
for  people  here  are  determined  to  be  more  frugal.  I  am  heartily 
sorry  for  the  appearance  of  things,  we  have  been  grossly  mis-rep 
resented.  I  wish  matters  were  properly  understood  on  your  side  & 
a  candid  attention  given  to  them.  I  am  sure  this  people  would 
stand  in  a  quite  different  light  for  I  may  say  that  we  are  as  loyal  as 
any  in  the  King's  Domain.  We  have  now  two  Regiments,  part  of 
a  third  &  a  train  of  Artillery  in  this  town  ordered  here,  it  is  said,  in 
consequence  of  advice  reed,  in  England  from  hence,  that  there  was 
a  necessity  for  them.  Such  Representation  must  be  made  by  those 
who  are  inimical  to  us  &  wish  to  see  us  in  confusion.  The  Report 
of  the  Troops  coming  here  alarmed  the  people  much  &  more  espe 
cially  as  we  were  patiently  waiting  &  in  hopes  of  soon  finding  the 
good  effects  of  our  petition  to  his  majesty,  but  unused  as  we  are  to 
troops  &  notwithstanding  the  apprehensions  of  people  &  such  a 
number  of  troops  in  this  Town,  the  people  are  quiet  and  peacea 
ble  and  net  the  least  Disturbance  has  taken  place. 

It  is  a  great  grief  to  this  people  that  they  are  Deprived  of  the 
Benefits  of  a  General  Assembly,  more  especially  at  this  time,  when 
there  is  need  of  the  wisdom  of  the  whole  Province  to  conduct  our 
Public  affairs.  Under  these  circumstances  a  large  number  of  towns 
appointed  severally  their  committees  to  meet  £  consult  &  advise  to 
the  most  prudent  measures  that  might  be  taken  at  this  time  of  Gen 
eral  Distress  &  accordingly  they  met  &  after  many  consultations  & 
advisings  to  that  which  they  judged  would  most  promote  the  good 
of  the  whole,  they  Retired.  A  state  of  the  whole  is  laid  before  the 
Public  &  I  am  confident  the  Convention  of  these  Committees  had  a 
happy  Effect,  to  quiet  the  minds  of  the  people,  but  notwithstanding 
the  good  intentions  of  these  Committees  I  dare  say  they  will  be 
much  misrepresented.  All  I  can  say  is  that  everything  here  has 
been  conducted  with  the  greatest  order,  on  the  part  of  the  people, 
and  I  can't  but  hope  that  when  things  are  really  Known  in  England, 
we  shall  be  relieved.  I  pray  &  I  doubt  not  of  Your  Influence  for 
us,  and  I  wish  soon  to  hear  some  good  acct.  from  England.  I 
begin  now  to  look  for  Capt.  White,  but  under  the  present  circum 
stances  our  navigation  &  Trade  must  fail.  The  people  are  deter 
mined  to  stop  Importing  English  goods,  for  really  trade  is  so 
embarrassed  &  our  Burthens  so  great  that  it  is  not  worth  a  man's 
pursuit.  I  know  not  what  to  do  with  the  Lydia,  but  that  she  return 
to  Boston,  in  which  case  you  will  please  to  let  her  be  Balasted  with 
coals.  I  hope  Capt.  Folger  is  with  you  by  this.  If  things  do  not 


TROOPS  SENT  FOR  I  59 

soon  take  a  more  favorable  Turn  I  am  determined  to  Contract  my 
Business  £  sell  my  Navigation  for  I  cannot  carry  on  Business  under 
the  present  circumstances  of  trade. 

The  convention  referred  to  by  Hancock  was  held  in 
Faneuil  Hall  on  Sept.  22,  called  by  a  committee  acting 
for  the  town  of  Boston,  of  which  John  Hancock  was  one. 
The  governor  warned  and  threatened  them,  but  they 
continued  in  session  until  the  29th. 

The  troops  referred  to  by  Hancock  in  the  above  let 
ters  were  ordered  to  Boston  at  an  interesting  period  of 
the  American  struggle.  The  movement  against  the 
Stamp  Act,  commendable  as  it  was  in  the  main,  had 
phases  that  were  much  regretted  by  the  patriots. 
Hancock,  we  have  seen  in  his  correspondence,  posi 
tively  declared  himself  against  them,  and  against  all 
riots,  which,  though  common  in  England,  were  in  vio 
lation  of  that  reverence  for  law  thoroughly  ingrained  in 
the  American  character. 

Though  Governor  Bernard  had  long  regarded  a  mili 
tary  force  necessary  to  sustain  the  new  measures,  he 
did  not  make  a  requisition  for  it.  He  expected  the 
Government  would  send  troops  to  Boston  in  the  time 
of  the  Stamp  Act,  and  anticipated  trouble  on  their 
arrival.  But  no  troops  were  ordered  to  the  port  at  that 
time. 

But  at  length  the  positive  acts  of  the  patriots  sup 
plied  zealous  Loyalists  with  ample  material  to  pervert 
into  fresh  arguments  for  the  necessity  of  troops  to  keep 
the  people  in  order.  It  was  promptly  seized  upon.  The 
commissioners  described  the  Boston  affairs  as  the  open 
ing  of  a  rebellion  that  had  begun  its  course  over  the 
continent.  They  not  only  sent  to  England,  but  to  Gen 
eral  Gage,  then  commander-in-chief,  whose  head-quar- 


l6o  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

ters  were  at  New  York,  requesting  troops,  and  to 
Commodore  Hood  at  Halifax,  asking  for  more  ships. 

General  Gage  was  surprised  at  not  receiving  a  re 
quest  from  the  governor,  but  at  once  tendered  Gover 
nor  Bernard,  at  Boston,  all  the  forces  that  he  might 
need  to  preserve  the  public  peace.  But  the  governor 
said  he  did  not  want  troops  to  quell  a  riot,  but  regarded 
them  essential  to  the  good  of  his  country.  He  there 
showed  the  folly  of  trying  to  serve  two  masters. 

The  ships  were  sent  by  Commodore  Hood,  and  moored 
near  Castle  William ;  but  the  governor  was  disappointed 
when  he  learned  that  his  movements  had  only  resulted 
in  putting  the  troops  in  readiness  to  proceed  to  Boston 
on  his  requisition,  which  he  did  not  give,  but  wrote, 
"  The  crisis  awaits  the  arrival  of  the  troops,  and  I  now 
learn  they  are  not  coming." 

He  laid  the  offer  of  the  commanding  general  before 
the  Council,  when  it  was  seen  that  the  members  were 
unanimously  against  having  troops  sent  to  the  port.  In 
his  despair  Governor  Bernard  wrote  to  Lord  Barrington 
that  he  could  "  no  longer  depend  upon  the  Council  for 
the  support  of  the  small  remains  of  royal  and  parlia 
mentary  power  now  left,  the  whole  of  which  had  been 
gradually  impeached,  arraigned,  and  condemned  under 
his  eye."  He  also  declared  that  "  Boston  had  been  left 
under  a  trained  mob  from  Aug.  14,  1765,  to  this  present 
July  23,  1768." 

At  length  the  die  as  to  Massachusetts  and  Boston 
had  been  cast  in  the  British  Cabinet.  It  was  decided  to 
place  a  military  force  at  the  command  of  the  governor  ; 
and  General  Gage  at  New  York  was  notified  to  place 
troops  at  Castle  William,  and  to  station  a  detachment 
in  Boston,  and  to  keep  a  naval  force  in  the  harbor. 


TROOPS  ARRIVE   IN  BOSTON  l6l 

The  governor  claimed  to  be  ignorant  of  this  action, 
but  did  mention  to  one  of  the  Council  that  he  had  a 
private  notice  that  troops  were  ordered  to  Boston.  This 
was  enough  to  excite  the  people,  who  were  at  once  noti 
fied  of  it,  and  petitioned  Hancock  and  other  selectmen 
to  call  a  meeting.  It  was  held  on  the  following  Mon 
day  ;  "  thus  openly  and  before  all  men,  not  covertly  like 
a  body  of  conspirators,  the  leading  men  of  Boston  pre 
pared  for  the  inevitable." 

At  length  two  regiments  were  brought  to  Boston  by 
fifteen  British  men-of-war.  It  was  on  Sept.  29  that 
they  took  a  well-chosen  fighting-position  around  the 
north  end  of  the  quiet  but  glorious  town. 

The  scene  in  the  harbor  on  that  first  night  was  grand  ; 
and  despite  the  forebodings  of  evil,  many  Boston  men 
put  out  in  their  boats  from  their  wharves  to  get  a  near 
view  of  the  ships,  while  the  many  in  their  homes  and 
sightly  places  witnessed  the  brilliant  display  of  rockets 
shot  off  from  the  decks. 

The  landing  of  the  troops  was  an  occasion  dreaded 
by  both  parties.  But  there  was  no  hostile  preparation 
on  the  part  of  the  patriots  ;  and  the  governor  having 
retired  to  Jamaica  Plain,  there  were  no  cordial  executive 
greetings  prepared.  The  preparation  on  the  part  of 
the  king's  army  was  of  a  most  decided  warlike  nature. 
Sixteen  rounds  of  powder  and  ball  were  served  out  to  the 
troops  when  they  entered  the  boats  and  made  their  way 
to  Long  Wharf.  Lieutenant-Colonel  Dalrymple,  the  com 
mander  of  the  land  force,  had  privately  made  a  visit  to 
the  town,  and  learned  that  the  situation  was  different 
from  what  he  had  expected.  The  Fourteenth  Regiment, 
under  the  colonel,  landed,  and  having  formed,  marched, 
with  drums  beating,  fifes  playing,  and  colors  flying,  up 


1 62  JOHN  HANCOCK',   HIS  BOOK 

King  Street  (now  State  Street),  to  the  Town  House, 
where  it  halted  until  joined  by  the  Twenty-ninth,  when 
they  marched  to  the  Common.  They  were  later  joined 
by  the  Fifty-ninth  Regiment  and  a  train  of  artillery 
with  two  field-pieces. 

It  is  difficult  to  imagine  the  feelings  of  the  people 
when  these  troops  were  landed.  It  is  no  wonder  they 
were  received  as  unwelcome  intruders,  and  the  selectmen 
absolutely  refused  to  grant  them  quarters.  Although 
Boston  Common  was  a  cow-pasture,  the  people  resented 
the  use  of  it  for  the  camp  of  one  of  these  regiments. 

The  public  indignation  was  at  its  height  when  Faneuil 
Hall  was  taken  as  quarters  for  one  of  the  regiments, 
and  no  better  feelings  were  engendered  when  Governor 
Bernard  ordered  the  State  House  in  King  Street  to  be 
opened  for  their  reception. 

While  the  town  was  in  this  state  of  excitement,  an 
attempt  was  made  to  injure  the  reputation  of  Hancock. 
He  was  on  the  Board  of  Selectmen  who  objected  to  the 
quartering  of  troops  in  the  public  buildings.  He  was  a 
representative  in  the  General  Court,  and  in  May  previ 
ous  had  been  chosen  a  member  of  His  Majesty's  Coun 
cil,  though  negatived  by  Governor  Bernard.  While  thus 
enjoying  the  confidence  of  the  people,  he  was  charged 
as  endeavoring  to  secure  from  General  Gage  the  con 
tract  to  supply  these  unwelcome  troops.  Having  learned 
from  the  Letter-book  that  Hancock  had  in  former  years 
corresponded  with  Colonel  Dalrymple  in  regard  to  the 
supplies  for  the  garrisons  at  Nova  Scotia,  which  he  was 
still  supplying,  it  is  not  difficult  to  see  how  such  a  report 
was  put  in  circulation  by  the  Tory  element  of  the  Prov 
ince.  But  Hancock's  letter  of  Nov.  12  settles  the  mat 
ter  :  — 


HANCOCK  DENIES  A   BOLD   ACCUSATION        163 

MESSRS.  EDES  &  GILL  :  — 

I  observe  in  your  last  paper  a  piece  signed  Veritas,  the  writer  of 
which  says  he  had  it  from  good  authority,  that  a  letter  under  my 
hand  was  published  in  a  coffee-house  at  New  York,  requesting  His 
Excellency  Gen.  Gage  that  I  might  supply  the  troops  then  expected, 
and  which  have  arrived  in  this  town.  If  such  a  letter  has  been  pro 
duced  there,  or  anywhere  else,  I  declare  it  to  be  a  forgery ;  for  I 
have  never  made  application  to  any  for  the  supply  of  said  troops, 
nor  did  I  ever  desire  any  person  to  do  it  for  me.  The  person  who 
produced  the  letter  could  have  no  other  design  but  to  injure  my 
reputation,  and  abuse  the  gentlemen  of  New  York.  I  therefore 
desire  you  would  give  this  a  place  in  your  next,  in  which  you  will 
oblige  Your  humble  servant, 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

BOSTON,  Nov.  12,  1768. 

Under  date  of  Aug.  24,  1768,  Hancock  writes  a  letter 
to  George  Haley  in  which  he  says,  — 

Our  trade  is  so  burthened  &  our  difficulties  increasing  so  fast, 
that  upon  a  meeting  of  our  mercies  it  was  thought  prudent  to  stop 
the  Importation  of  Goods,  at  least  for  one  year,  &  this  Resolution 
was  generally  adopted,  that  there  will,  of  course,  be  no  freights  in 
the  Spring,  with  respect  to  the  Ship,  I  must  refer  it  to  you,  if  you 
could  help  me  with  a  little  freight  directly  back  to  Boston,  I  should 
be  glad,  or  if  a  prospect  of  any  by  waiting  I  would  have  her  kept, 
but  if  you  have  no  prospect  of  giving  her  a  freight,  I  think  it  would 
be  best  to  send  the  Ship  back  as  soon  as  possible,  as  she  will  lay  at 
a  much  easier  expence  here  than  in  London. 

Hancock  returns  one  of  the  compliments  of  Mr. 
Haley  by  sending  "  Two  wild  Geese  of  which  I  ask  your 
acceptance." 

On  Nov.  1 6  Mr.  Hancock  writes  to  Thomas  Pow- 
nall:- 

I  have  now  only  time  to  inclose  you  my  Bill  on  George  Haley 
Esq.  Mercht  in  London  of  this  Date,  No.  90,  for  three  thousand 
pounds  sterlg.  in  part  of  the  monies  left  by  you  in  the  hands  of  my 
late  Uncle  for  which  I  am  accountable  to  you,  &  when  paid  you  will 
please  to  credit  my  acco"  there  for  By  Capt.  Daverson  who  will  sail 


164  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

in  a  week  I  shall  Transmit!  you  your  whole  acco"  &  send  you  an 
order  for  the  full  Ballance  of  that  acco"  when  you  will  please  to 
give  up  the  Receipts  my  late  Uncle  gave  you  for  the  monies  left  in 
his  hands. 

My  Aunt  joins  me  in  best  compliments  to  you  &  I  am  with  much 
esteem  Sir,  Your  most  obed{  humb1*  serv<- 

His  EXCELLENCY  THOMAS  POWNALL  ESQ. 

Hancock's  recorded  communications  for  the  winter 
are  but  lamentations  of  the  same  nature, — words,  per 
haps,  unconsciously  penned  from  the  burden  of  his  own 
personal  trials,  as  well  as  public  concerns.  The  king's 
ships  were  in  the  bay,  and  his  troops  were  in  possession 
of  the  town  ;  and  the  selectmen  needed  to  be  on  the 
alert  to  protect  the  interests  of  the  citizens.  The  town 
being  considered  in  control  of  the  army,  the  detested 
commissioners  of  customs  returned,  and  the  Romney 
again  appeared  in  the  bay.  The  case  of  the  sloop  Lib 
erty  was  brought  up,  and  Hancock  was  arrested.  He 
employed  John  Adams  as  his  counsel.  The  merchant 
had  the  sympathy  of  the  patriotic  people,  and  was  re- 
elected  as  selectman  in  March,  1769.  The  legal  pro 
ceedings  against  him  increased  his  popularity  ;  and  in 
May  he  was  re-elected  a  representative  to  the  General 
Court,  receiving  the  highest  number  of  votes,  even  two 
more  than  Samuel  Adams.  On  April  13,  1769,  Han 
cock  writes  to  Haley  &  Hopkins  :  — 

We  are  in  daily  expectation  of  hearing  from  London  the  result 
of  Petitions  on  our  affairs.  'We  have  been  basely  misrepresented 
&  can't  but  think  they  will  be  convinced  of  it  £  finally  matters 
settled  to  the  satisfaction  of  all. 

The  sincere  desire  on  the  part  of  the  merchant  doubt 
less  gave  rise  to  his  expressed  hopes,  which  must  have 
been  without  any  prospects  to  warrant  them.  Early  in 


NEW  AGREEMENTS   IN  REGARD    TO    TRADE      165 

May  the  town  indorsed  the  proceedings  of  the  merchants 
respecting  the  non-importation  agreement,  and  recom 
mended  to  the  inhabitants  not  to  purchase  any  goods  of 
persons  who  had  imported  in  vessels,  lately  arrived  from 
Great  Britain,  not  allowed  by  the  agreement.  When 
we  consider  that  no  man  in  the  colony  had  so  much  at 
stake  as  Hancock,  we  almost  wonder  that  his  letters  do 
not  give  some  evidence  of  his  relenting  ;  but  nothing  of 
the  kind  appears.  He  labored  assiduously  to  have  Gov 
ernor  Bernard  remove  the  troops  from  the  town.  At 
the  session  of  the  General  Court,  convened  on  the  last 
Wednesday  of  May,  nothing  could  be  accomplished. 
There  was  a  demand  upon  the  Province  for  funds  to 
pay  for  quartering  the  troops  in  Boston.  The  spirit  of 
Hancock  and  his  associate  representatives  from  Boston 
was  never  more  fully  aroused.1  To  be  asked  to  tax  them 
selves  to  pay  for  an  army  which  had  destroyed  their 
trade  was  too  much.  The  General  Court  would  not 
proceed  to  business  while  the  troops  were  in  the  town  ; 
and  the  governor,  to  get  around  the  objections  of  the 
court,  adjourned  it  to  Cambridge.  Of  this  John  Han 
cock  writes  on  July  1 1  to  his  London  agents  :  — 

GENTN  :  Our  General  Assembly  being  adjourned  out  of  town,  my 
attendance  on  which  engages  all  my  time,  that  I  can  only  say  I  am 
loading  my  Brig  Lydia,  Capt.  Hood.  I  hope  she  will  sail  in  ten 
days  £  as  our  assembly  will  rise  in  a  few  days,  I  shall  by  my  Brig, 
write  you  fully  to  which  beg  leave  to  refer  you. 

On  Sept.  6,  1769,  he  writes  to  Haley  &  Hopkins, 
concluding  thus  :  — 

1  It  was  when  this  excitement  was  at  its  height  that  James  Otis,  that 
brilliant  lawyer  and  patriot,  friend  of  John  Hancock,  was  assaulted  by 
John  Robinson,  one  of  the  commissioners  of  the  customs,  and  was  so 
badly  injured  that  he  disappeared  from  public  life,  and  died  at  Andover 
in  1783. 


1 66  JOHN  HANCOCK,   1JJS  BOOK 

The  merchants  of  this  town  having  come  into  a  new  agreement 
not  to  suffer  any  freight  to  be  taken  on  board  their  vessels,  I  beg 
you  would  note  the  same,  &  prevent  any  of  it  except  Coals,  Hemp, 
Duck  &  Grindstones  being  put  on  board  any  of  my  vessels.  You 
will  please  to  inform  my  ship  masters  that  they  may  conform  them 
selves  accordingly. 

On  Nov.  4  he  adds  :  — 

If  the  Revenue  Acts  are  Repealed,  I  am  hopeful  you  will  be  able 
to  give  Scott  some  freight. 

He  orders  of  Haley  &  Hopkins  "  50  barrels  of  very 
best  pistol  powder."  Hancock  was  now  placed  in  a 
most  trying  position.  As  a  citizen,  patriot,  and  town 
officer,  he  was  doing  all  in  his  power  to  bring  about  de 
sired  ends  by  preventing  importation.  As  a  merchant, 
he  was  obliged  to  see  these  acts  destroy  what  little  busi 
ness  he  had  left,  and  he  was  bringing  trouble  upon  his 
foreign  agents  and  fast  friends. 

The  embarrassment  of  John  Hancock,  when  it  came 
to  a  practical  application  of  the  non-importation  agree 
ment,  can  best  be  realized  by  the  following  letters. 

Under  the  same  date  to  Haley  &  Hopkins  Mr.  Han 
cock  writes  :  — 

I  cannot  now  make  a  particular  reply  to  your  letter  as  I  am 
wholly  engaged  in  the  accommodation  of  the  late  Importations, 
made  here  by  Several  Persons  of  this  Town,  which  circumstances 
taking  place  at  the  only  important  moment  that  it  should  have  been 
avoided,  I  must  say  Reflects  great  on  the  Importers.  After  many 
considerations  of  the  Trade  on  this  subject,  the  final  Resolution  was 
that  nothing  less  would  atone  and  be  satisfactory  than  the  Refusing 
the  goods  to  London.  The  owners  consented  &  this  ship  Scott  h'as 
all  the  goods  on  board  &  I  wish  them  a  safe  Landing  in  London. 
It  gives  me  great  uneasiness  on  your  acct.  that  almost  the  whole  of 
the  goods  that  have  arrived  have  been  shipped  by  you  and  the 
trade  were  determined  to  pass  Resolves  which  I  was  apprehensive 
would  operate  to  your  Disadvantage.  I  however  was  influential  in 
abating  the  Resentment  &  actually  made  offer  of  the  crates  to  carry 


GENERAL    COURT  REMOVES    TO    CAMBRIDGE      l6/ 

home  what  goods  Scott  could  not  take  &  in  this  I  really  judged  I 
was  most  essentially  promoting  your  interests.  But  Scott  takes  the 
whole  of  the  goods,  so  theres  an  end  of  it.  However  it  is  a  most 
unlucky  thing  you  shipped  those  goods  out.  Only  consider  what 
a  Difference  it  makes  as  to  the  trade  &  conditions  of  Individuals. 
You  build  some  up  upon  the  fall  &  Ruin  of  others.  We  ought  also 
to  be  on  a  footing  &  hope  soon  to  see  an  Establishment  of  our  trade 
on  a  solid  foundation.  With  respect  to  this  ship  of  mine,  to  ac 
commodate  the  matter  of  Importation,  I  offered  my  ship,  freight 
free,  as  she  brought  some  of  the  goods  you  shipt  the  most  fiom 
friendship  to  you  £  my  own  honor,  I  was  induced  to  make  the  offer. 
I  only  mention  this.  I  don't  mean  to  desire  anything  contrary  to 
your  transactions,  but  if  you  should  think  well  of  it,  as  in  the  con 
sequence,  you  will  be  more  benefited  than  myself.  As  the  offer  I 
made  established  you  whether  it  would  not  be  reasonable  that  the 
expense  be  borne  between  us.  These  Returned  goods  are  regu 
larly  cleared  our  Custom  House  &  I  can't  think  there  can  be  the 
Least  Difficulty  in  entering  the  ship  in  London.  Should  any  arise, 
Trusting  your  Interposition  to  accommodate  matters. 

The  massacre  of  March  5,  1770,  resulted  in  the  re 
moval  of  the  troops  from  Boston,  Samuel  Adams,  with 
John  Hancock  and  others  of  a  committee,  persisting 
until  the  desired  removal  was  secured.  These  troops 
already  described  were  ever  after  called  by  Lord  North 
"  Sam  Adams's  Two  Regiments."  Governor  Bernard 
having  been  recalled  by  the  king,  Lieutenant-Governor 
Hutchinson  was  in  power.  But  a  few  days  later  the 
General  Court  assembled  at  Cambridge.  The  demands 
upon  John  Hancock  were  so  great  that  for  the  first 
time  he  delegated  his  correspondence  to  another  :  — 

June  13,  1770. 

GENTN  :  The  removal  of  the  General  Court  to  Cambridge  obliges 
Mr.  Hancock  to  be  often  there.  He  has  directed  me  in  his  absence 
to  acquaint  you  that  he  has  chartered  the  ship  Pratt  for  a  voyage  to 
South  Carolina.  WM.  PALFREY. l 

To  HALEY  &  HOPKINS. 

1  Probably  son  of  Col.  William  Palfrey,  and  Susanna,  daughter  of  Paix 
Cazneau. 


1 68  JOHN  HANCOCK,    II IS  BOOK 

On  June  29,  1/70,  Hancock  addresses  Harrison  & 
Ansley  thus  :  — 

I  hope  e'er  long  matters  will  be  so  settled  as  that  trade  may 
revive,. do  convince  your  noble  gentlemen  at  Helm  of  the  ill  conse 
quences  of  a  perseverance  in  their  present  measures,  we  are  a  people 
worth  saving  &  deserving  their  notice  and  indulgence,  as  all  we  can 
possibly  obtain  centres  on  your  side.  We  sincerely  feel  the  griev 
ance  and  are  seeking  redress.  We  can't  always  submit.  It  is  a 
true  saying  "  Oppression  will  make  a  wise  man  mad.1'  Do  stir  for 
us.  I  know  your  disposition  and  that  you  will  help  us  all  you  can. 
I  have  to  express  my  grateful  acknowledgements  to  your  Air.  John 
Harrison  for  his  very  genteel  present  of  the  table  cloth  &  napkins, 
which  Mr.  G.  H.  delivered  me.  They  are  excessive  genteel  and  by 
far  the  best  in  the  Country.  I  wish  I  may  have  it  in  my  power  to 
retaliate.  1  must  wait  long  before  I  can  hope  a  manufacture  of  this 
country  to  return,  but  you  must  take  the  will  for  the  deed.  My 
Aunt  joins  me  in  her  Compliments  to  you  &  connection  particularly 
to  the  Lady  of  Mr.  G.  H.  with  every  wish  in  her  favor.  I  am  with 
respect,  Gentn, 

Your  assured  friend  & 

Obligd.  humble  servt. 

On  the  same  date  he  acknowledges  a  gift  of  cheese 
and  beer,  "  which  has  come  to  hand  in  good  order."  On 
the  same  date  to  Haley  &  Hopkins  he  says,  "  Inclosed 
you  have  a  small  mem°  of  allowed  articles  which  you 
will  please  to  send  by  the  return  of  the  Lydia."  On 
Nov.  5  he  writes  to  Haley  &  Hopkins,  arid  speaks  of 
having  been  absent  six  weeks,  and  neglected  corre 
spondence,  which  he  resumes.  On  Nov.  27  he  sends  to 
Haley  &  Hopkins  for  "  i  hogsd  Loaf  sugar,  single 
refined  ;  i  Bbl.  double  refined,"  for  his  own  use.  He 
has  had  a  letter  from  George  Haley  in  regard  to  the 
refusal  of  the  cargo,  which  was  returned  with  a  long 
explanation  and  apology.  He  replies  to  it  on  Dec.  27, 
1770,  thus  :  — 


FOREIGN   TRADE   NOT  ENTIRELY  ABANDONED      169 

I  shall  not  dwell  on  the  subject  which  particularly  occasioned 
your  private  letter  to  me.  Only  say,  what  I  can  strictly  and  sol 
emnly  declare  that  in  the  whole  of  my  conduct  during  the  late 
struggle  here  I  was  actuated  solely  by  a  principle  of  effecting  the 
good  of  my  Country,  and  sincerely  thought  a  strenuous  persever 
ance  in  the  non-importation  would  have  that  effect,  and  indeed  it  is 
still  my  opinion,  had  there  been  a  general  attention  to  that  object, 
it  would  have  worked  out  at  least  some  good  for  us  ;  but  as  things 
have  turned  out,  I  hope  all  will  be  for  the  best,  and  I  am  disposed 
to  acquiesce  and  heartily  wish  a  perfect  Harmony  and  reconciliation 
may  take  place.  I  am  much  obliged  to  you  for  your  very  generous 
offers  in  regard  to  the  freight  of  the  returned  goods  by  Scott,  and 
upon  mature  consideration  I  most  desire  you  will  think  no  more  of 
it.  I  believe  upon  my  own  plan  I  should  bear  it,  and  I  am  willing 
to  bear  it,  especially  as  my  sole  motive  was  the  prospect  of  happy 
consequence  resulting  from  it  to  my  town  and  Country ;  however, 
sir,  I  acknowledge  my  great  obligation  to  you  in  that  Instance,  as 
also  for  your  strict  attention  to  my  interests  in  all  my  concerns,  and 
hope  our  correspondence  may  continue  for  a  long  time  to  mutual 
satisfaction.  In  the  matter  of  non-importation  I  individually  have 
been  most  fully,  freely  and  cruelly  used,  but  the  particulars  I  forbear 
troubling  you  with  in  a  letter,  but  refer  you  to  Mr.  William  Palfry, 
who  is  a  passenger  in  my  Brig  and  on  whose  account  I  shall  trouble 
your  house  with  a  Line  ;  he  can  acquaint  you  with  everything  pass 
ing  here.  I  must  also  beg  Your  pardon  that  I,  in  my  hurry,  omitted 
to  acquaint  you  that  I  had  received  the  first  dividend,  etc. 

My  Aunt  desires  to  join  me  in  our  Sincere  respects  to  good  Mrs. 
Haley,  the  Young  Ladies,  and  with  my  best  wishes  for  their  and 
Your  health  and  Happiness, 

Believing  me  to  be  Dear  Sir, 

Your,  obliged  and  faithful  humble  servt. 

Foreign  trade  was  not  entirely  abandoned,  as  appears 
by  a  letter  of  Dec.  27,  1770,  to  Haley  &  Hopkins,  as 
follows  :  — 

GENTN  :  Since  my  last  I  am  favored  with  yours  by'Dixey  of  8th 
of  October,  who  arrived  here  on  Christmas  day.  Am  glad  to  find 
you  had  disposed  of  all  my  Oyl  &  Pottashes,  with  regard  to  the 
whalebone,  you  will  please  to  exercise  your  own  judgment  as  to  the 


I/O  JOHN  HANCOCK,   II IS  BOOK 

sale,  in  which  at  all  times  I  am  disposed  to  acquiesce,  being  fully 
convinced  of  your  attention  to  my  interests.   .  .   . 

I  fear  you  will  think  me  rather  guilty  of  Intrusion  with  my  navi 
gation,  having  so  often  occasion  to  request  your  favour  with  respect 
to  freight  for  my  vessels.  In  the  case  of  the  Taoli,  beg  to  say  that 
if  without  interfering  with  your  more  particular  connections,  you 
could  give  the  Taoli  a  freight  back  to  Boston,  I  should  take  it  a 
singular  favour,  but  upon  the  whole,  if  a  freight  back  cannot  be  had 
&  Brig  will  not  fetch  ,£800  sterling  or  more,  I  must  ask  the  favr.  of 
you  to  send  her  to  Lisbon  for  a  load  of  salt  to  bring  to  Boston, 
which  you  will  please  to  conduct  for  me.  I  give  Capt.  Hall  orders 
accordingly,  and  in  case  of  a  war,  please  to  Insure  ^800  on  the  Brig 
the  whole  voyage,  as  also  the  amount  of  the  Salt  Cargo,  and  if  a 
war,  please  to  keep  my  navigation  fully  insured,  Goods  and  freight ; 
this  you  will  please  to  note.  Since  my  last  I  have  disposed  of  my 
ship  John  &  her  West  India  cargo,  having  met  with  an  offer  that 
pleased  me.  I  have  a  new  ship  of  200  tons  built  in  this  town  which 
I  shall  fix  in  her  room  &  shall  Despatch  her  to  you  the  first  of  the 
Spring.  In  her  Mr.  Gilbert  Harrison  returns  to  England. 

He  sends  an  order  for  goods  for  a  shop  to  be  set  up. 
He  is  apparently  actively  engaged  through  the  spring 
months  of  1771,  and  interests  himself  in  behalf  of  sev 
eral  men  who  wish  to  set  up  business  in  shops.  On 
Oct.  11,  1771,  he  says  in  a  letter  to  his  agents  at  Lon 
don  :  "  I  have  not  been  able  to  attend  to  any  business 
since  April  last."  He  complains  of  poor  trade,  and 
declares  that  he  will  not  import  to  a  town  so  stocked 
that  things  are  sold  many  times  under  the  cost.  In 
closing  he  says:  — 

I  am  not  without  a  prospect  of  seeing  you  &  my  friends  in  Lon 
don,  with  the  Leave  of  Indulgent  Providence,  by  the  middle  of 
June  next,  having  nearly  Determined  with  Mr.  Bowes  &  your  G. 
H.'s  friend  Brattle  to  embark  on  board  Scott,  on  his  return  next 
spring. 

Hancock  had  set  up  his  brother  Ebenezer  in  business  ; 
but  he  had  met  the  fate  of  many  others,  and  failed. 


HIS  INTEREST  IN  II IS  BROTHER  I/ I 

Hancock,  however,  determines  to  venture  again.     He 
says :  — 

These  goods  are  for  my  brother,  whom  I  am  determined  to  estab 
lish  in  Business  again  in  hopes  he  may  better  succeed,'  £  over  whom 
I  shall  be  careful  to  keep  a  watchful  eye. 

It  is  gratifying  to  note  this  kindly  interest  which 
John  Hancock  manifested  in  the  business  career  of  his 
only  brother,  Ebenezer.  It  lasted  through  the  life  of 
the  more  wealthy  merchant.  We  find  that  the  Conti 
nental  Congress,  of  which  John  Hancock  was  president, 
on  June  12,  1776,  made  choice  of  Ebenezer  Hancock  as 
deputy  paymaster-general  for  the  eastern  department, 
and  his  headquarters  were  in  Boston. 


1/2  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XVI 

HANCOCK  RECOVERS  FROM  SEVERE  ILLNESS.  GIFTS  TO  BRAT 
TLE-STREET  CHURCH.  HANCOCK  MEMORIALS  IN  COUNTRY 
TOWNS.  GIFT  OF  A  FIRE-ENGINE  TO  BOSTON.  JOHN 
HANCOCK  COMMISSIONED  A  COLONEL  OF  CADETS.  JOUR 
NEY  TO  CONNECTICUT.  BOSTON  TEA-PARTY.  HANCOCK 
SENDS  WILLIAM  PALFREY  TO  CARRY  NEWS  OF  DESTRUC 
TION  OF  TEA  TO  PHILADELPHIA. 

IN  a  letter  of  Nov.  14,  1771,  we  learn  why  Mr.  Han 
cock  has  relaxed  in  business  activity.  It  is  to  Haley 
&  Hopkins  :  — 

"  I  readily  confess  there  needs  an  apology  to  be  made  to  you  for 
my  want  of  Punctuality  in  Replying  to  your  Repeated  Esteem'd 
favrs.  which  I  have  RecYl  in  the  course  of  the  Summer  past,  but 
when  I  tell  you  that  since  last  April,  I  have  not  had  a  real  well  day 
till  within  ten  days  &  my  Indisposition  such  as  to  incapacitate  me 
for  attention  to  Business,  I  know  you  will  readily  excuse  me  &  now 
thro  the  indulgence  of  a  kind  Providence  I  am  so  surprisingly  Re- 
cover'd  that  I  have  plunged  myself  in  the  Business  of  Life  again  & 
if  my  health  continues  shall  be  as  punctual  as  possible  in  my  replies 
to  your  Letters  &  all  my  other  Concerns  with  You." 

Thomas  Hutchinson  has  been  commissioned  as  chief 
executive,  and  John  Hancock  is  still  a  representative 
from  Boston  in  the  General  Court.  Hancock  writes :  — 

BOSTON,  July  7,  1772. 

GENTN  :  Your  favr  by  Lydia  I  duly  reed.  &  note  the  Contents.  I 
have  been  for  some  time  past  and  still  am  so  engaged  in  our  Gen 
eral  Assembly  that  I  cannot  now  particularly  Reply  to  your  last 
favr.  but  shall  by  next;  I  have  only  time  to  Inclose  you  Invo  & 


GIFTS    TO  BRATTLE-STREET  CHURCH  173 

Bill  Ladg.  of  Tar  &  Staves  by  the  Lyclia,  Captain  Hall,  to  your 
address,  which  you  will  please  to  dispose  of  £  credit  me  the  pro 
ceeds.  You  have  Inclosed  a  Naval  Store  Bill.  This  is  a  poor 
Cargo,  but  what  little  oyl  has  been  at  market  has  been  held  so  high 
say  ^32.  sterlg,  that  I  dar'd  not  to  purchase,  but  thought  it  most 
Eligible  to  wait  the  Event  of  the  fall  Fishing,  tho  indeed  there  has 
been  but  a  Trifle  at  market.  I  have  delivered  to  Capt.  Hall  the  Size 
of  Glass  with  directions  for  a  New  Meeting  house  Building  in  this 
town.  I  have  directed  Capt.  Hall  to  deliver  to  you  £  I  am  to  desire 
You  will  please  to  order  it  of  the  best  quality,  well  packed  &  exactly 
conformable  to  the  pattern  &  directed  to  ship  to  me  by  Scott  or  one 
of  my  vessels,  Boxes  marked  I  H  K,  charged  to  my  accott,  with 
separate  Invoice  Your  humble  servt> 

MESSRS.  HALEY  &  HOPKINS. 

The  order  of  glass  was  for  the  Brattle-street  Church, 
to  which  Hancock  was  giving  liberally,  the  society  being 
that  with  which  Madam  Hancock  and  her  family  wor 
shipped.  The  corner-stone  had  already  been  laid,  and 
the  name  of  Hon.  John  Hancock  had  been  chiselled  on 
it.  This  was  evidently  in  recognition  of  his  gift,  the 
largest  contributed.  It  amounted  to  ,£1,000.  In  the 
gift  he  reserved  the  right  to  build  a  mahogany  pulpit 
with  its  full  furniture,  a  mahogany  deacons'  seat,  and 
communion-table,  and  to  provide  for  the  accommodation 
of  the  poor  widows  and  others  belonging  to  the  society 
"  who  are  reputable  persons  and  unable  to  furnish  them 
selves  with  seats/'  This  furniture  had  been  in  use  but 
a  few  months  when  the  British  occupied  the  new  meet 
ing-house  for  barracks.  John  Hancock  is  also  pleas 
antly  remembered  to  this  day  by  a  gift  of  comparative 
insignificance  to  the  town  of  Lunenburg.  In  the  pulpit 
Bible  of  a  church  now  extinct  is  read:  "The  gift  of  the 
Hon.  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  of  Boston.  To  the  Church 
and  Congregation  in  Lunenburg.  July  26th,  Anno 
Domini,  1772."  It  is  interesting  to  note  that  this  gift 


174  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

was  made  in  the  same  month  with  that  to  the  Brattle- 
street  Church. 

In  the  adjoining  town  of  Shirley  there  is  a  similar 
treasure,  used  still  in  the  pulpit  of  the  Unitarian  Church, 
and  held  as  a  memorial  of  Madam  Lydia  Hancock,  her 
name  being  duly  inscribed  upon  it.  The  occasion  of 
the  gift  was  the  opening  of  the  new  meeting-house  in 
that  town,  the  wife  of  Rev.  Phineas  Whitney,  the  min 
ister,  being  Lydia  Bowes  of  Bedford,  niece  and  name 
sake  of  Madam  Lydia  (Henchman)  Hancock.  What 
an  inspiration  it  must  have  been  to  those  sturdy  people 
at  the  dedication  service  to  have  the  Hancock  coach 
roll  up  to  the  door,  and  the  honored  widow  conducted 
into  their  presence,  followed  by  a  colored  slave,  who 
bore  the  great  Bible  for  the  new  pulpit !  What  wonder 
that  the  first  son  of  the  parsonage  should  be  named 
in  honor  of  the  lamented  merchant  of  Boston,  to  whose 
'  honor  Thomas  W7hitney  and  his  descendants  have  re 
flected  much  credit. 

Hancock's  popularity  was  recognized  in  the  remotest 
settlements  of  New  England.  A  section  in  Berkshire 
County,  Mass.,  first  called  Jericho,  from  the  natural  walls 
on  either  side,  was  named  Hancock  when  incorporated 
in  1776,  at  the  time  of  John  Hancock's  presidency  of 
the  Continental  Congress. 

A  settlement  in  southern  New  Hampshire,  begun 
about  the  same  time,  of  which  John  Hancock  was  one 
of  the  proprietors,  was  incorporated  as  Hancock  in  1779. 

A  section  of  Addison  County,  Vt.,  settled  in  1778, 
was  given  the  name  of  Hancock. 

Another  way  in  which  John  Hancock  manifested  his 
regard  for  the  town  of  Boston  during  the  year  1772  was 
by  the  gift  of  a  fire-engine,  which  he  imported  for  that 


g  I 

2    2 

Q      <- 


I     I 


O  o 

UJ  "o 

S  -o 

0  c 

1  ^ 


GIFT  OF  A   FIRE-ENGINE    TO  BOSTON  1/5 

purpose.     This  was  ordered  to  be  kept  near  Hancock's 
wharf. 

A  letter  of  July  7,  1772,  affords  a  hint  of  the  condi 
tion  of  business  and  of  the  engagements  of  Hancock  :  — 

By  next  oppory,  I  shall  send  you  accott.  of  sales  of  Your  Sugar 
&  Beer.  I  am  now  prevented  £  as  I  have  been  for  some  time  & 
still  am  so  engaged  in  our  General  Assembly  that  I  must  beg  you 
excuse  me  that  I  cannot  be  more  particular  but  by  next  will  be 
explicit  &  particularly  reply  to  your  favr. 

I  am  sorry  to  tell  you  I  have  no  prospect  of  a  sale  of  Your 
Linens  &c  I  cannot  Get  the  sterlg  cost  of  these  £  they  will  not  raise 
the  money  unless  sold  at  auction  wc'»  must  be  attended  with  a  great 
loss.  The  Town  is  so  full  of  Goods  that  they  are  sold  to  loss,  do 
give  me  directions  what  to  do  with  them,  Tho  I  will  strive  the  Fall 
Season  to  Dispose  of  them  without  Loss  —  I  shall  write  you  fully  in 
a  few  days. 

I  am  with  Esteem  Sir  Your  very  humble  servt. 

HENRY  CKUGER,  ESQ. 

On  Nov.  4,  1772,  Hancock  pauses  in  his  official  busi 
ness  long  enough  to  attend  to  an  outgoing  vessel.  He 
sends  orders  as  follows  :  — 

You  will  please  send  me  by  Scott  for  my  acct.,  marked  J.  H.  : 
50  prs.  Russia  Duck.     20  pcs.  Ravens  Duck. 
15  Tons  Best  Petersburg  Brack  Hemp,  if  low,  if  not  low  only 
half  the  quantity. 

1  HogshVl  single  Refined  sugar. 
10  Hampers  best  Bottled  porter. 

40  half  Barrels  Powder,  pray  let  it  be  good. 

2  Tons  of  best  Cheshire  cheese. 

10  Boxes  Lemons.  2  Casks  of  Poland  &  10  casks  of  Common 
Starch. 

To  MESSRS.  HALEY  &  HOPKINS  : 

Goods  are  at  present  sold  here  so  excessively  low  that  I  do  not 
import  any  for  my  own  store,  but  when  there  is  an  alteration  I  shall 
apply  to  you.  If  you  please,  when  you  are  in  cash  for  me,  I  desire 
you  would  pay  Mr.  Charles  Hurst  ^323  17^.  ^d.  I  have  directed 
him  to  apply  to  you  for  the  same. 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   JUS  BOOK 

On  May  17,  1773,  Palfrey  writes  because  of  the  ab 
sence  of  John  Hancock. 

The  letter  to  Haley  &  Hopkins  shows  that  Mr.  Han 
cock  is  still  supplying  the  garrison  at  Nova  Scotia.  He 
has  been  elected  to  the  command  of  the  Independent 
Cadets,  well  known  as  the  governor's  guard.  The  pub 
lic  announcement  was  as  follows  :  — 

"  His  Excellency,  the  Captain-General  has  been  pleased  to  com- 
missionate  John  Hancock  Esq.,  to  be  Captain  of  the  Company  of 
Cadets  with  the  rank  of  Colonel." 

He  enters  upon  the  duties  of  the  office  regardless  of 
health,  and  advertises  as  follows  :  — 

"Wanted.  Immediately  —  For  His  Excellency's  Company  of 
Cadets.  Two  Fifers  that  understand  Playing.  Those  that  are 
masters  of  musick,  and  are  inclined  to  engage  with  the  Company, 
are  desired  to  apply  to  Col.  John  Hancock.1' 

In  Hancock's  absence  William  Palfrey  writes  :  — 

BOSTON,  i  ;th  J/.7J,  1773. 

GENT.  :  I  wrote  you  the  5th  inst  pr.  Calif  acquainting  You  of 
Coll°  Hancock's  intention  to  send  Scott  out  with  a  load  of  Naval 
Stores,  with  which  the  Haley  is  now  loaded,  and  Inclos'd  You  have 
Inv°  &  Bill  of  Lading  for  1462  barrell  of  Tar,  also  a  Naval  Store 
I  Jill.  You  will  doubtless  dispose  of  this  Cargo  for  Mr.  Hancocks 
best  Interest  &  when  sold  please  to  Credit  him  for  the  net  proceeds. 

The  Coll°  has  left  no  directions  with  me  respecting  the  sale  of 
the  Ship,  in  case  a  saving  price  should  offer.  I  therefore  beg  leave 
to  refer  You  to  his  former  Letters  on  that  subject  by  which  you  will 
please  to  govern  yourselves.  I  know  he  thinks  her  too  large  for  the 
Trade,  although  she  has  hitherto  been  pretty  successful,  this  has 
been  greatly  owing  to  Your  kindness. 

Madam  Hancock  desires  her  best  compliments  to  your  Ladies 
&  Families,  with  her  sincere  wishes  for  the  recovery  of  Miss  Haley's 
health,  in  which  she  is  heartily  joined  by 

Gent          Your  obliged  &  most 

Obedt  servt          W.  P. 

MESS.  HALEY  &  HOPKINS. 


JOURNEY   TO    CONNECTICUT  177 

Under  the  same  date,  to  Harrison  &  Ansley,  Mr.  Pal 
frey  writes  :  — 

Coll°  Hancock  has  lately  been  so  greatly  indisposed  that  he  has 
not  been  able  to  reply  to  your  several  favors. 

He  is  now  on  a  journey  to  Connecticut  as  well  for  the  recovery 
of  his  health  as  to  transact  some  public  business  relative  to  the  par 
tition  Line  between  this  Province  and  New  York. 

I  take  the  Liberty,  in  his  absence,  to  inclose  you  a  memoranda 
for  a  few  goods  for  the  mark  H.  £  P.,  which  you  will  please  to 
compleat  &  send  out  by  the  Return  of  the  Haley.  He  begs  your 
particular  attention  to  the  Quality  &  price  of  each  article,  that  in 
the  sale  we  may  be  at  least  upon  a  footing  with  our  neighbors.  We 
expect  Mr.  Hancock  back  in  a  few  days,  and  if  his  Health  will  per 
mit  he  purposes  to  write  you  particularly  by  the  first  opportunity. 
Madam  Hancock  desires  her  best  respects  to  your  G.  H.  &  Lady  & 
to  your  Gent1!!,  respectively.  My  compliments  to  your  J.  H.,  Mr. 
Tho.  Harrison  &  Mr.  Ansley,  Mr.  G.  H.  &  Lady  &  all  friends. 

I  am  with  great  esteem, 

Gent'n.,  your  most  obed't.  serv't., 

\V.  P. 

In  December,  1773,  Hancock  writes  to  Haley  &  Hop 
kins  :  — 

I  shall  be  much  obliged  to  you  to  send  the  Bell  wrote  for  by 
Capt.  Scott,  as  also  the  Pulpit  furniture  &  curtains,  which  please  to 
order  of  the  best  Silk  Crimson  Damask.  The  size  of  Bell  &  Di 
mensions  of  the  Curtains,  etc.,  you  have  in  my  letter  by  Hood. 

These  were  gifts  to  Brattle-street  Church.  The  bell 
weighed  3,220  pounds.  The  motto  inscribed  upon  it 

is  :  — 

I  to  the  church  the  living  call, 
And  to  the  grave  I  summon  all. 

The  bell  did  not  reach  Boston  until  September,  1774. 
The  port  being  then  blockaded,  Captain  Scott  was 
obliged  to  go  into  port  at  Salem,  Sept.  20.  He  also 
brought  a  quantity  of  powder,  which  Hancock  had  or 
dered.  This  was  welcomed  by  the  patriots,  for  there 


1/8  JO  JIN  JIANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

had  not  been  a  pound  to  be  procured  in  Boston  for 
many  weeks.  The  bell  was  rung  for  the  first  time  Oct. 
28,  1774. 

On  Dec.  21,  1773,  he  writes  to  his  London  agents  :  — 

We  have  been  much  agitated  in  consequence  of  the  arrival  of 
the  Tea  Ships  by  the  East  India  Comp.,  and  after  every  effort  was 
made  to  Induce  the  consignees  to  return  it  from  whence  it  came  & 
all  proving  ineffectual,  in  a  very  few  Hours  the  whole  of  the  Tea  on 
Board  Bruce,  Coffin  &  Hall 1  was  thrown  into  the  salt  water.  The 
particulars  I  must  refer  you  to  Capt.  Scott  for;  indeed  I  am  not 
acquainted  with  them  myself,  so  as  to  give  a  Detail.  Capt.  Loring 
in  a  Brig  with  the  remainder  of  the  Tea  is  cast  on  shore  at  the  back 
of  Cape  Codd.  Philadelphia  £  York  are  Determined  the  Tea  shall 
not  land.  I  enclose  you  an  extract  of  a  letter  I  Rec'd.  from  Phila., 
by  which  you  will  see  the  spirit  of  that  people.  No  one  circum 
stance  could  possibly  have  taken  place  more  effectively  to  unite  the 
Colonies  than  this  manouvre  of  the  Tea.  It  is  Universally  Resented 
here  &  people  of  all  ranks  detest  the  measure.  Our  papers  &  Dr. 
Williamson,  who  is  passenger  in  Scott,  will  inform  you  many  cir 
cumstances.  I  Determine  if  my  Oyle  gets  up  tomorrow  my  Brigt. 
Lydia  shall  depart  in  six  days.  I  shall  recommend  her  to  be  sold. 

The  information  which  Mr.  Hancock,  in  the  above 
letter,  says  he  received  from  Philadelphia,  was  doubtless 
brought  by  his  trusted  agent,  William  Palfrey. 

While  Hancock  is  silent  at  this  point,  his  friend  An 
drews  writes,  under  Dec.  i  :  — 

Having  just  returned  from  fire  club,  and  am  now,  in  company 
with  the  two  Miss  Masons  and  Mr.  Williams  of  your  place  [Phila 
delphia],  at  Sam.  Eliot's,  who  have  been  dining  with  him  at  Colo- 
Hancock's,  and  acquaints  me  that  Mr.  Palfrey  sets  off  Express  for 
New  York  and  Philadelphia  at  five  o'clock  to-morrow  morning  to 
communicate  ye  transactions  of  this  town  respecting  the  tea. 

1  The  "Tea-ships"  were  Dartmouth,  Eleanor,  and  Beaver.  Francis 
Rotch.  owned  the  Dartmouth,  the  first  to  arrive  in  Boston,  with  James 
Hall  as  captain;  James  Bruce  was  captain  of  the  Eleanor,  and  Hezekiah 
Coffin  of  the  Beaver.  It  is  probable  that  William  Rotch,  brother  to  Fran- 


THE  ARRIVAL   OF   THE    TEA-SHIPS  179 

Of  the  arrival  of  the  tea-ships  he  says  :  — 

It  has  caus'd  ye  most  spirited  and  firm  conduct  to  be  observed 
that  ever  was  .known,  the  regularity  and  particulars  of  which  pro 
ceedings  Mr.  Palfrey  will  be  able  to  tell  you.  The  consignees  have 
all  taken  their  residence  at  the  Castle,  as  they  still  persist  in  their 
refusal  to  take  the  tea  back.  Its  not  only  ye  town  but  the  country 
are  unanimous  against  the  landing  it,  and  at  the  Monday  and  Tues 
day  meetings,  they  attended  to  the  number  of  some  hundreds  from 
all  the  neighboring  towns  within  a  dozen  miles,  —  'twould  puzzle 

any  person  to  purchase  a  pair  of  p Is  in  town,  as  they  are  all 

bought  up,  with  a  full  determination  to  repell  force  to  force. 

The  above  letter,  penned  by  John  Andrews,  and  be 
fore  published,  shows  the  quiet  and  expeditious  manner 
in  which  John  Hancock  exerted  himself  for  the  public 
good  at  this  important  time.  He  must  have  had  a  deep 
personal  interest  in  the  tea  trouble,  but  is  silent  upon 
his  private  interests  ;  he  puts  his  strength  into  the  wel 
fare  of  the  public. 

As  we  have  no  letter  of  John  Hancock's  in  regard  to 
this,  one  written  by  his  friend  Andrews  is  inserted  : l  — 

However  precarious  our  situation  may  be,  such  is  the  present 
calm  composure  of  the  people  that  a  stranger  would  hardly  think 
that  ten  thousand  pounds  sterling  of  the  East  India  Company's  tea 
was  destroy'd  the  night,  or  rather  evening  before  last,  yet  it  is  a 
serious  truth  ;  and  if  your's,  together  with  ye  other  Southern  prov 
inces,  should  rest  satisfied  with  this  quota  being  stor'd,  poor  Boston 
will  feel  the  whole  weight  of  ministerial  vengeance.  However  it  is 
the  opinion  of  most  people  that  we  stand  an  equal  chance  now, 
whether  troops  are  sent  in  consequence  of  it  or  not,  whereas,  had 
it  been  stor'd  we  should  inevitably  have  had  'em,  to  enforce  the 
sale  of  it. 

The  affair  was  transacted  with  the  greatest  regularity  and  de- 

cis,  and  John  Hancock  were  owners  in  part  of  the  other  ships,  which  had 
taken  oil  to  London,  and  were  chartered  to  take  the  tea  in  returning. 

1  From  Proceedings  of  Massachusetts  Historical  Society  of  1864  and 
1865. 


180  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

spatch.  Mr.  Rotch  finding  he  exposed  himself  not  only  to  the  loss 
of  his  ship  for  ye  value  of  the  tea  in  case  he  sent  her  back  with  it, 
without  a  clearance  from  the  custom  house,  as  ye  Admiral  kept  a 
ship  in  readiness  to  make  a  seizure  of  it  whenever  it  should  sail 
under  those  circumstances ;  therefore  declined  complying  with  his 
former  promises,  and  absolutely  declared  his  vessel  should  not  carry 
it,  without  a  proper  clearance  could  be  procur'd  or  he  to  be  indem 
nified  for  the  value  of  her, — when  a  general  muster  was  assembled, 
from  this  and  all  ye  neighbouring  towns,  to  the  number  of  five  or 
six  thousand,  at  10  o'clock  Thursday  morning  in  the  Old  South 
Meeting  house,  where  they  pass'd  a  unanimous  vote  that  the  tea 
should  go  out  of  the  harbor  that  afternoon,  and  sent  a  committee 
with  Mr.  Rotch  to  ye  custom  house  to  demand  a  clearance,  which 
the  collector  told  'em  was  not  in  his  power  to  give,  without  the 
duties  being  first  paid.  They  then  sent  Mr.  Rotch  to  Milton,  to 
ask  a  pass  from  ye  Governor,  who  sent  for  answer,  that  "  consistent 
with  the  rules  of  Government  "  and  his  duty  to  the  King  he  could 
not  grant  one  without  they  produced  "  a  previous  clearance  from  the 
office." — By  the  time  he  returned  with  this  message  the  candles 
were  light  in  (the)  house,  and  upon  reading  it,  such  prodigious 
shouts  were  made,  that  induc'd  me,  while  drinking  tea  at  home,  to 
go  out  and  know  the  cause  of  it. 

The  house  was  so  crowded  I  could  get  no  farther  than  ye  porch, 
when  I  found  the  moderator  was  just  declaring  the  meeting  to  be 
dissolved,  which  caused  another  general  shout,  out  doors  and  in, 
and  three  cheers.  What  with  that,  and  the  consequent  noise  of 
breaking  up  of  the  meeting,  you'd  thought  that  the  inhabitants 
of  the  infernal  regions  had  broke  loose.  For  my  part  I  went  con 
tentedly  home  and  finished  my  tea,  but  was  soon  inform'd  what  was 
going  forward ;  but  still  not  crediting  it  without  ocular  demonstra 
tion,  I  went  and  was  satisfied.  They  muster'd,  I'm  told,  upon 
Fort  Hill,  to  the  number  of  about  two  hundred,  and  proceeded,  two 
by  two,  to  Griffin's  wharf,  where  Hall,  Bruce  and  Coffin  lay,  each 
with  114  chests  of  the  ill  fated  article  on  board,  the  two  former 
with  only  that  article,  but  ye  latter  arriv'd  at  ye  wharf  only  ye 
day  before,  was  freighted  with  a  large  quantity  of  other  goods, 
which  they  took  the  greatest  care  not  to  injure  in  the  least,  and 
before  nine  o'clock  in  ye  evening,  every  chest  from  on  board  the 
three  vessels  was  knocked  to  pieces  and  flung  over  ye'  sides. 
They  say  the  actors  were  Indians  from  Narragansett.  Whether 
they  were  or  not,  to  a  transient  observer  they  appear'd  as  such, 


BOSTON   TEA-PARTY  l8l 

being  cloth'd  in  Blankets  with  the  heads  muffled,  and  copper  color'd 
countenances  being  each  arm'd  with  a  hatchet  or  axe,  and  pair 
pistols,  nor  was  their  dialect  different  from  what  I  conceived  these 
geniusses  to  speak,  as  their  Jargon  was  unintelligible  to  all  but  them 
selves.  Not  the  least  insult  was  offered  to  any  person,  save  one 
Captain  Conner,  a  letter  of  horses  in  this  place,  not  many  years 
since  remov'd  from  dear  Ireland,  who  had  ript  up  the  lining  of  his 
coat  and  waist  coat  under  the  arms,  and  watching  his  opportunity 
had  nearly  fill'd  ?em  with  tea,  but  being  detected  was  handled  pretty 
roughly.  They  not  only  stripped  him  of  his  clothes,  but  gave  him 
a  coat  of  mud,  with  a  severe  bruising  into  the  bargain  ;  and  noth 
ing  but  their  utter  aversion  to  make  any  disturbance  prevented  his 
being  tar'd  and  feather'd. 

On  the  i  Qth  of  December  Mr.  Andrews  writes  to 
his  friend  at  Philadelphia  :  — 

I  give  you  joy  of  your  easy  riddance  of  the  baneful  herb  ;  being 
just  inform'd  by  ye  arrival  of  the  post  that  its  gone  from  whence  it 

came.     You  may  bless  your  stars  that  you  have  not  a  H n  and 

board  of  commissioners  resident  with  you.  I  forgot  to  acquaint 
you  last  evening  that  Loring  in  a  brig  belonging  to  Clark,  one  of 
ye  consignees,  is  on  shore  at  ye  back  of  Cape  Cod,  drove  thither  by 
a  storm  last  Fryday  week,  who  has  the  last  quota  of  Tea  for  this 
place,  being  58  chests,  which  compleats  the  400. 

There  were  many  poetical  effusions  occasioned  by 
the  tea  episode.  One  that  appeared  in  Thomas's  Spy  is 
as  follows  :  — 

Farewell  the  tea-board,  with  its  equipage 

Of  cups  and  saucers,  cream  bucket  and  sugar-tongs; 

The  pretty  tea-chest,  also,  lately  stored 

With  hyson,  congo,  and  best  double  fine. 

Full  many  a  joyous  moment  have  I  sat  by  you, 

Hearing  the  girls  tattle,  the  old  maids  talk  scandal. 

And  the  spruce  coxcomb  laugh  at  may  be  nothing. 

No  more  shall  I  dish  out  the  once  loved  liquor, 

Though  now  detestable. 

Because  I  am  taught,  and  I  believe  it  true, 

Its  use  will  fasten  slavish  chains  upon  my  country; 

And  Liberty's  the  goddess  I  would  choose 

To  reign  triumphant  in  America ! 


1 82  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XVII 

WILLIAM  PALFREY  CONDUCTS  HANCOCK'S  BUSINESS.  JOHN 
HANCOCK  DELIVERS  THE  MASSACRE  ORATION.  ARRIVAL 
AND  RECEPTION  OF  GENERAL  GAGE.  COLONEL  HANCOCK 
AND  THE  CADETS.  HANCOCK'S  COMMISSION  REVOKED. 
LEGISLATURE  MEETS  AT  SALEM.  LAST  SESSION  CALLED 
BY  A  GOVERNOR  UNDER  THE  CROWN.  PROVINCIAL  CON 
GRESS  AT  CONCORD  AND  CAMBRIDGE.  BOSTON  SCHOOL 
BOYS  KEEP  A  SECRET  AND  SAVE  THE  CANNON.  INDIGNA 
TION  AT  TREATMENT  OF  A  BILLERICA  MAN.  GAGE'S  ARMY 

INJURE  HANCOCK'S  PROPERTY.  NOTABLE  GATHERING  AT 
LEXINGTON  PARSONAGE.  BATTLE  OF  LEXINGTON.  FLIGHT 
FROM  GAGE'S  ARMY  TO  BURLINGTON  AND  BILLERICA. 

THE  year  1774  opens  when  John  Hancock  is  suffer 
ing  from  disease,  and  the  public  demands  so  much  of 
his  time  that  his  business  correspondence  is  delegated 
to  his  friend  Palfrey.1  He  writes  on  Jan.  10,  1774:— 

Mr.  Hancock  intended  to  have  wrote  you  fully  by  this  opportu 
nity  but  is  prevented  by  indisposition  &  is  at  present  confined  to 
his  bed.  I  have  therefore  to  inclose  you  Invoice  &  Bill  of  Lading 
for  Oyle,  Tar  &  Staves  on  Board  the  Brig  Lydia,  Adam  Winthrop, 
master,  to  your  address,  which  you  will  please  to  dispose  of  &  credit 
him  with  the  net  proceeds. 

This  Brig  Mr.  Hancock  would  be  glad  to  sell  provided  she  will 
fetch  ^500  stg.  If  not,  you  will  please  to  return  her  as  soon  as 
possible  with  what  freight  you  can  procure.  If  none  should  offer, 

1  William  Palfrey,  the  friend  and  confidential  clerk  to  John  Hancock, 
was  aid-de-camp  to  Washington  when  he  was  in  command  of  the  Conti 
nental  army  at  Cambridge,  and  accompanied  the  chief  to  New  York  after 
the  evacuation. 


HANCOCK  DELIVERS  MASSACRE   ORATION        183 

be  kind  enough  to  ship  Twenty  Tons  of  good  Hemp  £  Forty  chal 
drons  of  Coals,  also  Fifty  pieces  of  Russia  Duck.  If  his  Health  will 
permit  he  intends  to  write  you  himself  by  a  vessell  which  will  sail 
from  hence  in  a  few  days. 

I  am  Gent.     Your  most  hble  Servt- 

\VM.  PALFREY. 
MESSRS.  HALEY  &  HOPKINS. 

Jan.  26,  1774,  was  the  date  of  the  opening  of  the  ses 
sion  of  the  General  Court  of  which  John  Hancock  was  a 
member  from  Boston,  having  received  all  but  two  of  419 
votes  cast.  It  was  a  critical  time,  and  the  duties  were 
exhausting  ;  but  Mr.  Hancock  is  found  assuming  the 
added  responsibility  of  presiding  at  the  town-meeting, 
and  of  delivering  the  massacre  oration  of  March  5,  1774. 
His  bold  utterances  at  this  time  gave  great  offence  to 
the  executive,  and  more  especially  to  the  officers  of  the 
standing  army.  A  copy  of  the  oration  was  requested  of 
Mr.  Hancock  for  publication.  (See  Appendix  II.) 

There  was  taken  at  this  time  a  collection  for  Mr. 
Christopher  Monk,  "  a  young  man  now  languishing  tin 
der  a  wound  rec'd  in  his  lungs,  by  a  shot  from  Preston's 
Bloody  Party  of  Soldiers  on  5th  March,  1770."  This 
collection  amounted  to  ^319.  13.  3.  old  tenor,  and  the 
same  was  left  with  the  selectmen  for  the  use  of  the  said 
Monk.  Five  days  later  Mr.  Hancock  was  chosen  as 
moderator  of  a  town-meeting,  but  was  too  ill  to  attend  ; 
but  he  was  elected  as  one  of  the  Board  of  Selectmen 
for  the  year  1774-1775.  He  was  also  chosen  one  of 
the  firewards,  but  at  a  later  meeting  was  excused.  He 
was  active  in  the  movement  at  this  time  for  lighting  the 
streets,  believing  that  darkness  was  favorable  to  evil 
doings. 

This  busy  man  turns  from  public  affairs  to  place  his 
well-known  signature  upon  papers  relating  to  his  pri- 


184  JOHN  HAKCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

vate  business,  as  witnesseth  the  following  document,  in 
possession  of  Mr.  John  M.  Graham  of  Boston. 


On  Wednesday,  May  10,  Mr.  Hancock  experienced 
the  renewal  of  the  confidence  of  the  voters  of  the  town 
by  a  unanimous  re-election  to  the  General  Court  ;  his 
associates  being  Thomas  Gushing,  Samuel  Adams,  and 
William  Phillips. 

It  was  at  an  adjourned  session  of  this  meeting  that 
the  town  took  action  in  regard  to  the  "  Edict  of  a  Brit 
ish  Parliament  for  Blocking  up  the  Harbor  of  Boston 
and  annihilating  the  trade  of  this  town." 

John  Hancock  now  sees  the  ruin  which  he  has  so  often 
predicted  about  to  visit  the  town.  But  there  is  a  glim 
mer  of  hope  in  the  departure  of  Governor  Hutchinson, 
and  the  arrival  of  Governor  Gage  ;  yet  it  soon  goes  out 
in  despair. 

It  was  the  duty  of  Colonel  Hancock  and  his  company 
to  receive  and  escort  His  Majesty's  representative  to  the 
State  House.  He  landed  at  Long  Wharf  on  May  19, 
and  received  due  honor  at  the  hands  of  Colonel  Hancock 
and  the  Cadets. 


IfAiVCOCK'S   COMMISSION  REVOKED  185 

Gage  was  proclaimed  governor  amid  the  acclamations 
of  the  people.  They  all  partook  of  a  bountiful  enter 
tainment  at  Faneuil  Hall,  when  the  new  governor  ex 
pressed  himself  as  aware  of  the  unwelcome  errand  he 
came  upon,  but  said,  as  he  was  a  servant  of  the  Crown, 
he  was  obliged  to  see  the  Act  put  in  execution.  His 
words  were  carefully  followed  by  John  Hancock  and  the 
leaders  in  the  patriotic  movements,  who  also  watched 
each  subsequent  act  of  official  authority. 

Although  the  Letter-book  affords  us  no  light  upon  the 
movements  of  Hancock  at  this  critical  time,  the  blank 
pages  are  forcible  reminders  of  the  man  too  much  en 
grossed  to  place  his  thoughts  upon  paper.  No  more 
important  subjects  ever  agitated  the  minds  of  the  men 
of  Boston  than  those  discussed  in  John  Hancock's  count 
ing-room  and  other  patriot  headquarters. 

We  can  imagine  the  indignation  of  the  Cadets  when, 
in  August,  Governor  Gage  notified  Colonel  Hancock  by 
the  hand  of  his  secretary,  Flucker,  that  he  had  no  further 
occasion  for  his  services  as  the  commander. 

The  corps  at  once  disbanded,  and  sent  a  committee  to 
the  governor  with  the  standard  which  His  Excellency 
had  presented  them.  Colonel  Hancock  received  a  very 
encouraging  message  from  the  disbanded  company,  to 
which  he  replied  :  "  I  am  ever  ready  to  appear  in  a  pub 
lic  station,  when  the  honor  or  the  interest  of  the  com 
munity  calls  me  ;  but  shall  always  prefer  retirement  in 
a  private  station  to  being  a  tool  in  the  hand  of  power  to 
oppress  my  countrymen." 

We  now  follow  the  footsteps  of  John  Hancock  to  the 
Old  State  House,  where  the  General  Court  convened  on 
May  25,  by  virtue  of  writs  issued  by  Governor  Hutch- 
inson. 


1 86  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

Governor  Gage  met  the  assembly,  and  informed  them 
that  he  had  "the  king's  particular  commands  for  hold 
ing  the  General  Court  at  Salem  ; "  accordingly  he  ad 
journed  the  Legislature  to  Salem,  there  to  meet  on 
Tuesday,  the  7th  of  June.  This  was  because  of  the  en 
forcement  of  the  Port  Bill,  which  took  effect  before  the 
Legislature  came  together  again.  But  Hancock  and 
other  representatives  had  not  been  idle  ;  and  when  they 
reassembled  at  Salem  they  made  it  their  first  business 
to  protest  against  this  adjournment,  and  prepared  their 
answer  to  the  governor's  speech.  This  session,  noted 
for  lack  of  harmony,  continued  until  the  i/th  of  June, 
and  was  then  dissolved  by  the  governor's  proclamation, 
read  on  the  stairs  of  the  Representative  Chamber  by 
Secretary  Flucker,  the  door  having  been  closed  against 
him.  But  this  act  of  His  Excellency  was  not  until  after 
the  representatives  had  passed  resolutions,  appointing 
John  Hancock  and  others  as  delegates  to  the  Continental 
Congress  at  Philadelphia,  and  made  appropriation  to  de 
fray  their  expenses. 

John  Hancock  consequently  acted  in  the  last  legisla 
tive  assembly  regularly  convened  in  Massachusetts  un 
der  writs  issued  by  a  governor  appointed  by  the  Crown. 

The  distress  of  the  summer  months  was  made  doubly 
trying  by  the  fears  of  the  winter  on  the  part  of  the  poor. 
The  merchants  were  obliged  to  see  their  ships  idle  at 
the  wharf  and  their  warehouses  vacant.  But  Hancock 
was  fully  occupied  as  one  of  the  selectmen  in  attending 
the  meetings  of  the  Board  held  from  week  to  week  to 
settle  the  many  new  questions  arising  in  the  town.  He 
was  conspicuous  by  his  absence  at  the  meeting  of  Aug. 
13,  called  by  request  of  Governor  Gage,  when  His  Excel 
lency  notified  the  Board  "that  he  had  received  from 


en     ra 
O     8 


THE   FIRST  PROVINCIAL    CONGRESS  l8/ 

England  the  two  Acts  of  Parliament  lately  passed  in 
which  was  inserted  a  clause  forbidding  the  calling  of 
town-meetings  without  special  license  from  the  gover 
nor."  But  this  did  not  disturb  those  far-seeing  selectmen, 
who  had  two  town-meetings  now  alive  by  adjournment. 

Hancock's  vigilance,  as  a  selectman,  in  the  public  in 
terests,  only  slackened  when  he  was  called  to  duty  as  a 
representative. 

Governor  Gage's  order  for  the  General  Court  to  con 
vene  on  the  5th  of  October,  although  subsequently  coun 
termanded,  resulted  in  an  assembly  of  ninety  of  the 
representatives.  These  resolved  themselves  into  the 
Provincial  Congress,  of  which  John  Hancock  was  made 
chairman,  and  Benjamin  Lincoln  was  chosen  clerk. 

They  then  adjourned  to  meet  at  Concord  on  the  fol 
lowing  Tuesday.  When  reassembled,  the  chairman  and 
clerk  were  made  president  and  secretary  respectively. 
A  committee  was  soon  appointed  to  take  into  consider 
ation  the  state  of  the  Province,  and  report.  Of  this 
committee  John  Hancock  was  chairman  ;  and  when  their 
report  was  accepted,  and  sent  as  a  message  to  the  gov 
ernor,  it  was  attested  by  John  Hancock,  the  president  of 
the  Provincial  Congress. 

When  they  assembled,  by  adjournment,  at  Cambridge 
on  the  i/th  inst.,  Mr.  Hancock  had  the  governor's  an 
swer  to  read  to  the  Congress.  It  was  at  the  third  ses 
sion  of  this  First  Provincial  Congress,  and  on  Oct.  22, 
that  the  question  of  the  annual  Thanksgiving  was  dis 
cussed  ;  and  it  was  decided  that  the  appointment  should 
be  made  by  this  body  of  men,  and  Thursday,  the  fif 
teenth  day  of  December,  was  selected  for  the  autumnal 
festival.  The  proclamation  issued  was  the  first  on  which 
the  "king"  was  not  recognized.  (See  Appendix  III.) 


188 


JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 


Thus  they  went  on  step  by  step  until  the  record  of 
the  First  Provincial  Congress  was  completed  on  Dec. 
10,  1774. 

The  interim  between  this  adjournment  and  the  as 
sembling  of  the  Second  Congress  afforded  Mr.  Hancock 
no  rest.  He  appears  immediately  with  the  selectmen 
devising  plans  for  the  control  of  the  small-pox,  which 
the  army  brought  to  the  town. 


^ 


HUBBARD    HOUSE,    CONCORD. 
(Where  John   Hancock  lived  when  at  Provincial  Congress.) 

So  urgent  was  this  duty  that  they  met  on  Sunday, 
and  prepared  a  notice  for  print  in  the  papers  of  the  fol 
lowing  morning,  in  order  that  the  townspeople  might  be 
relieved  of  their  anxiety.  But  the  disease  was  not 
easily  suppressed  ;  and  the  selectmen  were  in  session 
daily,  and  Hancock  is  recorded  as  being  in  attendance. 

During  these  weeks  of  anxious  care,  there  were 
strange  scenes  in  the  vicinity  of  the  Hancock  mansion  ; 
for  the  king's  army  was  in  camp  on  the  Common,  and 


BOSTON  SCHOOL-BOYS  KEEP  A    SECRET         189 

its  movements  by  day  or  night  were  easily  detected  by 
the  occupants  of  that  famous  dwelling.  Among  the 
frequent  guests  of  Madam  Hancock,  during  that  memo 
rable  winter  of  1774-1775,  was  Dorothy  Quincy,  who  in 
her  old  age,  as  Madam  Scott,  said  she  well  remembered 
hearing  Earl  Percy's  voice  when  drilling  the  regulars 
near  the  Hancock  mansion. 

The  Second  Provincial  Congress  opened  at  Cam 
bridge  on  Feb.  i,  1775  ;  and  John  Hancock  was  there 
in  the  service  of  Boston.  He  was  unanimously  elected 
as  the  president  of  that  body,  and  one  of  a  committee 
to  consider  and  report  "the  state  and  circumstances  of 
the  Province."  On  the  fourth  day  of  that  session  we 
find  John  Hancock  putting  the  motion  "  that  the  secre 
tary  be  directed  to  write  Col.  Roberson,  desiring  him  to 
deliver  the  four  brass  field  pieces,  and  the  two  brass 
mortars  now  in  his  hands,  the  property  of  the  Province, 
to  the  order  of  the  Committee  of  Safety."  But  there 
was  another  party  in  authority,  —  Governor  Gage,  — 
who  was  looking  after  arms  and  military  stores  in  the 
interest  of  the  king.  We  can  readily  imagine  the  sur 
prise  of  his  officers  when  going  to  look  for  the  Province 
guns  and  finding  only  the  carriages,  and  seem  to  hear 
their  exclamation,  "  They  are  gone  ;  these  fellows  will 
steal  the  teeth  out  of  your  head  while  you  are  keeping 
guard  !  " 

Their  search  did  not  reveal  the  guns ;  an  unbroken 
cobweb  convinced  them  they  could  not  have  been  taken 
out  the  gateway ;  and  as  the  only  other  possible  pas 
sage-way  was  through  a  schoolhouse,  they  proceeded  to 
search  there.  With  what  intensity  of  feeling  the  boys 
in  their  seats  and  Mr.  Holbrook,  the  schoolmaster, 
watched  the  officers.  But  the  box  on  which  Master 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Holbrook's  lame  foot  was  carefully  placed,  was  the  one 
hiding-place  undisturbed.  Hence  schoolmaster,  boys, 
and  other  patriots  had  the  satisfaction  of  knowing  that 
they  had  acted  an  important  part  in  saving  two  of  the 
guns,  and  in  carrying  into  execution  the  resolve  of  the 
Provincial  Congress  ;  for  those  guns  were  in  service 
through  the  whole  war,  and  are  now  seen  on  the  wall 
inside  of  the  top  of  Bunker  Hill  Monument,  known  as 
the  Hancock  and  Adams. 

THE  HANCOCK: 

SACRED    TO    LIBERTY. 

This  is  one  of  four  cannon  which  constituted  the  whole 
train  of  Field  Artillery  possessed  by  the  British  colo 
nies  of  North  America  at  the  commencement 
of  the  war  on  the  19^  of  April,  1775. 

THIS   CANNON 

and  its  fellow,  belonging  to  a  number  of  citizens  of  Boston, 

were  used  in  many  engagements  during  the  war.    The 

other  two,   the  property  of  the  Government  of 

Massachusetts,  were   taken   by  the  enemy. 


By  order  of  the  United  States,  in  Congress 
assembled  May  19,  1788. 

These  two  guns  were  used  many  years  in  the  "  An 
cient  and  Honorable  Artillery,"  and  by  them  the 
Adams  was  burst  in  firing  a  salute. 

It  was  in  this  session  of  the  Provincial  Congress  that 
John  Hancock  and  his  associates,  chosen  by  the  former 
Congress  as  delegates  to  the  Continental  Congress, 
"were  authorized  and  empowered,  with  the  delegates 
from  the  other  American  Colonies,  to  adjourn  from 
time  to  time,  and  place  to  place,  as  they  shall  judge 
necessary,  and  to  continue  as  delegates  until  the  end  of 


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GAGE'S  ARMY  INJURES  HANCOCK'S  PROPERTY      IQI 

the  year."  The  first  session  adjourned  on  Feb.  16  ;  and 
we  find  its  president,  John  Hancock,  back  in  Boston  on 
duty  with  the  selectmen.  On  March  9  he  was  with 
those  officials  in  their  meeting  "  to  examine  into  the 
affair  of  this  morning  when  a  countryman  was  tar'd  and 
feathered  and  carried  thro'  the  Streets  of  this  Town  by 
a  large  Party  of  Soldiers  of  the  47.  Regiment  headed 
by  Coll0  Nesbit."  * 

At  the  meeting  of  March  11,  Hancock  was  in  atten 
dance  when  Ditson's  case  was  freely  discussed,  and  a 
letter  ordered  to  be  sent  to  the  selectmen  of  Billerica. 
But  he  was  absent  on  the  I4th,  when  the  officials  of 
that  town  appeared  before  the  Boston  authorities. 

On  the  i  5th  and  i8th  he  was  in  the  sessions.  We 
almost  wonder  at  this ;  for,  on  the  previous  evening, 
"  Col.  Hancock's  elegant  seat,  situated  near  the  Com 
mon,  was  attacked  by  a  number  of  officers,  who  with 
their  swords,  cut  and  hacked  the  fence  before  his  house 
in  a  most  scandalous  manner  and  behaved  very  abusively, 
by  breaking  people's  windows,  and  insulting  every  per 
son  they  met."  With  these  scenes  fresh  in  his  mind, 
we  may  imagine  with  what  intensity  of  feeling  on  the 
1 8th  John  Hancock  discussed  the  letter  sent  up  to  Bos 
ton  by  the  selectmen  of  Middleboro,  Plympton,  and  Hali 
fax  "  relating  to  the  ill  behaviour  of  some  of  the  Troops 
sent  to  Marshfield  by  General  Gage." 

On  the  following  night,  iQth,  Hancock  was  again 
annoyed  by  the  soldiers,  who  entered  his  enclosure,  and 
refused  to  retire  after  his  requesting  them  to  do  so, 
telling  him  that  his  house  and  stable  would  soon  be 
theirs,  and  then  they  would  do  as  they  pleased. 

We  may  well  imagine  that  John  Hancock  presented 

1  Thomas  Uitson  of  Billerica. 


IQ2  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

an  anxious  face  at  Concord  on  the  morning  of  the  22cl, 
when  the  second  session  of  the  Provincial  Congress 
assembled.  But  with  an  unfaltering  purpose  he  entered 
upon  the  duties  of  the  president  of  the  Assembly,  and 
was  faithful  at  his  post  until  the  adjournment  on  the 
i  5th  of  April. 

Knowing  the  condition  of  affairs  in  Boston,  we  con 
clude  that  Hancock  did  not  return  to  his  home  during 
the  intermissions  of  the  session,  but  that  he  went  to 
the  Lexington  parsonage,  where  his  cousins,  Rev.  and 
Mrs.  Jonas  Clark,  gladly  welcomed  him  and  his  associate. 

Turning  again  to  the  Hancock  mansion,  we  are  not 
surprised  to  find  Madam  Lydia  Hancock  anxious,  espe 
cially  now  that  her  nephew,  the  master  of  the  house,  is 
absent,  and  serving  as  president  of  the  Provincial  Con 
gress,  making  plans  to  thwart  the  king's  army.  The 
modest  parsonage  at  Lexington  offers  a  safe  retreat  for 
her ;  and  in  company  with  her  young  friend,  Miss 
Ouincy,  she  is  driven  in  her  coach  to  the  home  of  her 
niece,  where  the  family  are  once  more  together.  John 
Hancock  was  on  familiar  ground  when  at  this  Lexington 
home ;  for,  as  we  have  seen  in  the  introduction,  he 
spent  much  of  his  time  in  childhood  with  his  grand 
parents  at  this  place.  Upon  the  adjournment  of  the 
Congress  at  Concord  he  went  immediately  to  Lexing 
ton  ;  and  Paul  Revere  has  told  us  that  he  carried  a  mes 
sage  from  Dr.  Warren  to  Hancock  and  Adams  on  the 
following  Sunday,  whom  he  found  at  the  home  of  Rev. 
Jonas  Clark. 

I  have  sat  in  that  old  parsonage  until  I  have  seen  in 
fancy  the  notable  group  of  that  April  night,  as  they 
gathered  about  the  time-honored  hearthstone. 

The  last  rays  of  the  setting  sun  have  left  the  dampness 


NOTABLE    GATHERING   AT  LEXINGTON          193 

of  the  meadows  to  gather  about  the  home ;  and  each 
guest  and  family  occupant  has  gladly  taken  seats  within 
the  house,  while  Mrs.  Jonas  Clark  has  closed  the  shut 
ters,  added  a  new  fore-log,  and  fanned  the  embers  to  a 
cheerful  flame.  Although  the  venerable  widow  is  par 
tially  hidden  in  the  shadow,  the  flickering  candle  reveals 
the  sadness  of  her  countenance  when  the  condition  of 
affairs  in  Boston  is  discussed.  But  the  shadow  is  dis 
pelled  for  a  time  as  Madam  Hancock  tells  her  nephew 
and  other  guests  of  the  visit  that  day  from  her  pastor, 
Rev.  Dr.  Cooper,  who  fled  from  Boston  on  the  i6th  of 
April,  and  went  out  to  Weston,  and  had  taken  a  trip 
to  the  Lexington  parsonage,  and  dined  there  with  her 
and  Rev.  and  Mrs.  Clark.  The  stern  and  inflexible 
Samuel  Adams  hears  it  all,  and  declares  his  purpose 
with  undaunted  zeal,  finding  in  Rev.  Jonas  Clark  one  of 
a  kindred  spirit.  The  young  couple  whom  Madam  Han 
cock  has  studiously  brought  together  exchange  sympa 
thetic  glances  as  they  take  part  in  the  conversation. 
Hancock  and  Adams  are  among  patriot  friends.  They 
know  that  many  a  flame  has  been  kindled  from  the  Lex 
ington  altar;  and  they  do  not  hesitate  to  tell  of  the  action 
of  the  Provincial  Congress,  and  speak  of  the  gathering 
cloud  so  near  to  bursting.  The  hours  wear  away,  and 
the  candles  are  snuffed  once  more  ;  and  before  they 
burn  into  the  brass  sockets  all  have  retired,  not  without 
apprehensions  of  approaching  trouble,  but  with  little 
thought  that  the  king's  strong  arm  of  military  authority 
is  already  extended  toward  that  room  where  the  Con 
gressmen  have  pillowed  their  weary  heads. 
Leaving  the  immortal  Longfellow  to  tell,  - 

It  was  one  by  the  village  clock, 
When  he  galloped   into  Lexington, 


194  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

we  trace  John  Hancock,  as  with  Samuel  Adams  and 
Miss  Quincy,  he  is  driven  over  to  Woburn  Precinct, 
Burlington,  where  the  company  are  welcomed  by  Madam 
Jones  at  the  Precinct  Parsonage.  But  Hancock  was  not 
permitted  to  remain  there  long.  An  excited  messenger 
brought  a  false  alarm ;  and  when  about  to  sit  down  to  a 
bountiful  meal,  the  two  patriots  were  conducted  by  Cuff, 
the  parsonage  negro  slave,  away  through  the  woods  to 
the  home  of  Amos  Wyman,1  in  an  obscure  corner  of  the 
town  of  Billerica,  just  at  Bedford  line.  How  Hancock's 
scarlet  cloak  must  have  aroused  the  songsters  of  that 
April  morning,  as  his  graceful  figure  glided  through  the 
forest !  and  how  welcome  must  have  been  the  sight  of 
that  rude  home  as  they  approached  the  door,  which 
swung  open  as  Cuff  pulled  the  latch-string,  and  proudly 
ushered  in  the  noted  men  !  The  early  start,  bracing 
April  breeze,  and  savory  smell  of  promised  food  at  the 
parsonage,  conspired  to  arouse  an  appetite  in  these  men 
that  could  not  be  longer  suppressed.  The  modest 
housewife  gave  her  unaccustomed  guests  the  best  she 
had.  Cold  boiled  salt  pork,  cold  potatoes,  and  brown 
bread  were  strange  viands  for  Hancock ;  but  he  ate 
them  with  a  relish  that  was  not  forgotten  when  he  was 
again  master  of  his  own  home. 

1  The  Wyman  estate  of  1 775  is  now  owned  by  Mr.  George  Bennett  of 
Burlington.  Through  his  permission,  patriotic  citizens  of  Billerica  have 
taken  steps  to  add  to  the  natural  and  historical  attractions  of  the  place. 
The  old  well  has  been  restored  to  its  former  usefulness;  and  a  bowlder, 
near  the  old  hearth-stone,  bears  the  following  inscription :  — 

AMOS  WYMAN  HOMESTEAD. 

HERE 

JOHN    HANCOCK   AND   SAMUEL   ADAMS 

FOUND  REFUGE  FROM  THE  BRITISH  SOLDIERS,  APRIL  19,  1775. 
THIS  INSCRIPTION  PLACED  HERE  BY  THE  BILLERICA  HISTORICAL  SOCIETY,  1898. 


FLIGHT  FROM  GAGE'S  ARMY  1 95 

How  long  John  Hancock  and  his  companion  remained 
in  seclusion  is  not  known  ;  but  wisely  directed  caution 
must  have  kept  them  beyond  the  possible  reach  of  Gen 
eral  Gage,  who  was  bent  on  their  arrest,  to  be  sent  to 
England  for  trial. 


196  JOHN  HANCOCK',    JUS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XVIII 

JOHN  HANCOCK  CHOSEN  PRESIDENT  OF  THE  SECOND  CON 
TINENTAL  CONGRESS.  HE  IS  PROSCRIBED  BY  PROCLAMA 
TION  OF  GENERAL  GAGE.  A  LOVE-LETTER  AND  SUBSEQUENT 
MARRIAGE. 

THE  third  session  of  the  Second  Provincial  Congress 
convened  at  Concord  on  April  22,  and  immediately  ad 
journed  to  Watertown.  But  as  Hancock  was  a  delegate 
to  the  Continental  Congress,  to  convene  at  Philadelphia 
on  May  10,  he  did  not  again  appear  in  that  body. 

His  next  appearance  is  told  by  the  following  letter  to 
the  Committee  of  Safety  :  — 

[From  New  England  Magazine.] 

WORCESTER,  April  24,  1775. 
Monday  Evening. 

GENTLEMEN:  Mr.  S.  Adams  and  myself,  just  arrived  here,  find 
no  intelligence  from  you,  and  no  guard.  We  just  hear  an  express 
has  just  passed  through  this  place  to  you,  from  New  York,  inform 
ing  that  administration  is  bent  upon  pushing  matters  ;  and  that  four 
regiments  are  expected  there.  How  are  we  to  proceed?  Where 
are  our  brethren?  Surely,  we  ought  to  be  supported.  I  had  rather 
be  with  you ;  and,  at  present,  am  fully  determined  to  be  with  you, 
before  I  proceed.  I  beg,  by  the  return  of  this  express,  to  hear  from 
you,  and  pray,  furnish  us  with  depositions  of  the  conduct  of  the 
troops,  the  certainty  of  their  firing  first,  and  every  circumstance 
relative  to  the  conduct  of  the  troops  from  the  19^  instant,  to  this 
time,  that  we  may  be  able  to  give  some  account  of  matters  as  we 
proceed,  especially  at  Philadelphia,  also,  I  beg  you  would  order 
your  secretary  to  make  out  an  account  of  your  proceedings  since 
what  has  taken  place  ;  what  your  plan  is  ;  what  prisoners  we  have, 


PRESIDENT  OF  CONTINENTAL    CONGRESS       197 

and  what  they  have  of  ours  ;  who  of  note  was  killed,  on  both  sides  ; 
who  commands  our  forces,  £c. 

Are  our  men  in  good  spirits?  For  God's  sake  do  not  suffer  the 
spirit  to  subside,  until  they  have  perfected  the  reduction  of  our  ene 
mies.  Boston  must  be  entered  ;  the  troops  must  be  sent  away, 
.  .  .  Our  friends  are  valuable,  but  our  country  must  be  saved. 
I  have  an  interest  in  that  town.  What  can  be  the  enjoyment  of  that 
town,  if  I  am  obliged  to  hold  it  at  the  will  of  Gen.  Gage  or  any  one 
else?  I  doubt  not  your  vigilance,  your  fortitude,  and  resolution. 
Do  let  us  know  how  you  proceed.  We  must  have  the  Castle. 
The  ships  must  be  ...  Stop  up  the  harbor  against  large  vessels 
coming.  You  know  better  what  to  do  than  I  can  point  out.  Where 
is  Mr.  Gushing.1  Are  Mr.  Paine2  and  Mr.  John  Adams  to  be  with 
us?  What  are  we  to  depend  upon?  We  travel  rather  as  deserters, 
which  I  will  not  submit  to.  I  will  return  and  join  you,  if  I  cannot 
detain  this  man,  as  I  want  much  to  hear  from  you.  How  goes  on 
theGongress?  \Vho  is  your  president ?  Are  the  members  hearty? 
Pray  remember  Mr.  S.  Adams  and  myself  to  all  friends.  God  be 
with  you. 

I  am,  gentlemen,  your  faithful  and  hearty  countryman 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

To  the  GENTLEMEN  COMMITTEE  OF  SAFETY. 

The  above  letter  leads  to  the  conclusion  that  Han 
cock  and  his  companion,  soon  after  their  frugal  meal  at 
Amos  Wyman's  in  Billerica,  set  out  on  their  journey 
to  Philadelphia.  It  was  but  five  days  after  the  flight 
from  Lexington  that  Hancock  penned  the  letter  from 
Worcester.  Anxiety  is  detected  in  its  tone.  Let  us  look 
for  the  occasion  of  it.  The  Province  of  Massachusetts 
had  risen  in  her  own  defence,  and  bravely  had  she  main 
tained  her  ground  ;  but  her  garments  were  wet  with  the 
blood  of  her  sons  mingled  with  that  of  the  loyal  subjects 
of  the  king.  How  were  the  other  Provinces  to  regard 
this  precipitation  ?  Connecticut  and  New  Hampshire 
had  sustained  them  ;  and  their  sons  had  responded  to 

1  Thomas  Gushing.  2  Robert  Treat  Paine. 


198  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

the  Lexington  alarm,  and  were  ready  to  share  in  the 
perils  of  the  time.  But  how  would  the  rest  of  the 
country  regard  the  movement  ?  Would  they  stand  by 
Massachusetts  in  this  extremity  ?  It  was  such  questions 
that  disturbed  the  minds  of  these  delegates  to  the  Sec 
ond  Continental  Congress.  They  were  sure  of  New 
England ;  and  as  the  Hancock  coach  rolled  along  through 
Connecticut,  the  occupants  felt  perfectly  safe,  but  the 
attitude  of  New  York  was  yet  to  be  learned. 

Hancock's  letter  to  Miss  Quincy  supplies  the  infor 
mation  :  — 

[From  "  Family  Memorials,"  by  Edward  E.  Salisbury.] 

NEW  YORK,  Sabbath  Even'g,  May  7,  1775. 
MY  DEAR  DOLLY  :  — 

I  Arrived  well,  tho1  Fatigued,  at  King's  Bridge  at  Fifty  Minutes 
after  Two  o'clock  yesterday,  where  I  found  the  Delegates  of  Massa 
chusetts  and  Connect1,  with  a  Number  of  Gentlemen  from  New 
York,  and  a  Guard  of  the  Troop.  I  Din'd  and  then  set  out  in  Pro 
cession  for  New  York,  the  Carriage  of  your  humble  servant  of  course 
being  first  in  the  Procession.  When  we  Arrived  within  three  Miles 
of  the  City  we  were  Met  by  the  Grenadier  Company  and  Regiment 
of  the  City  Militia  under  Arms,  Gentlemen  in  Carriages  and  on 
Horseback,  and  many  Thousand  of  Persons  on  Foot,  the  Roads 
fill?d  with  people,  and  the  greatest  Cloud  of  Dust  I  ever  saw.  In 
this  Scituation  we  Entered  the  City,  and  passing  thro1  the  Principal 
Streets  of  New  York  amidst  the  Acclamations  of  Thousands  were 
set  Down  at  Mr.  Francis's.  After  Entering  the  House  three  Huzzas 
were  Given,  and  the  People  by  Degrees  Dispers'd. 

When  I  got  within  a  mile  of  the  City  my  Carriage  was  stopt, 
and  Persons  appearing  with  proper  Harnesses  insisted  upon  Taking 
out  my  Horses  and  Dragging  me  into  and  through  the  City,  a  Cir 
cumstance  I  would  not  have  had  Taken  place  upon  any  considera 
tion,  not  being  fond  of  such  Parade. 

I  BegVl  and  Intreated  that  they  would  Suspend  the  Design,  and 
ask'd  it  as  a  favour,  and  the  Matter  Subsided,  but  when  I  got  to 
the  Entrance  of  the  City,  and  the  Numbers  of  Spectators  increas'd 
to  perhaps  Seven  Thousand  or  more,  they  Declared  they  would 
have  the  Horses  out  and  would  Drag  me  themselves  thro1  the  City. 


HANCOCK  AT   WORCESTER  199 

I  Repeated  my  Request,  and  I  was  oblig'd  to  apply  to  the  Leading 
Gentlemen  in  the  procession  to  intercede  with  them  not  to  Carry 
their  Designs  into  Execution ;  as  it  was  very  disagreeable  to  me. 
They  were  at  last  prevailed  upon  and  I  preceded.  I  was  much 
oblig'd  to  them  for  their  good  wishes  and  Opinion,  in  short  no 
Person  could  possibly  be  more  notic'd  than  myself. 

After  having  Rode  so  fast  and  so  many  Miles  you  may  well 
think  I  was  much  Fatigu'd,  but  no  sooner  had  I  got  into  the  Room 
of  the  House  we  were  Visited  by  a  great  number  of  Gentlemen  of 
the  first  Character  in  the  city,  who  Took  up  the  Evening. 

About  10  o'clock  I  Sat  down  to  Supper  of  Fried  Oysters,  &c., 
at  ii  o'clock  went  to  Capt.  Sears's  (the  King  Inn)  and  Lodg'd. 
Arose  at  5  o'clock,  went  to  the  House  first  mentioned,  Breakfasted, 
Dress'd  and  went  to  Meeting,  where  I  heard  a  most  excellent  Ser 
mon  by  Mr.  Livingston,  Returned  to  the  same  House,  a  most 
Elegant  Dinner  provided. 

Went  to  Meeting,  heard  Dr.  Rogers,  a  fine  preacher.  To 
morrow  Morning  propose  to  Cross  the  Ferry.  We  are  to  have  a 
large  Guard  in  several  Boats  and  a  Number  of  the  City  Gentlemen 
will  attend  us  over.  I  can't  think  they  will  Dare  attack  us. 

The  Grenadier  Company  of  the  City  is  to  Continue  under  Arms 
during  our  stay  here,  and  we  have  a  Guard  of  them  Night  and  Day 
at  our  Doors.  This  is  a  sad  mortification  for  the  Tories,  things 
look  well  here. 

The  travelling  company  now  consisted  of  John  Han 
cock,  Samuel  Adams,  John  Adams,  Thomas  dishing, 
Robert  Treat  Paine,  Roger  Sherman,  and  Silas  Deane. 

I  Beg  you  will  write  me  ;  do  acquaint  me  every  Circumstance 
Relative  to  that  Dear  Aunt  of  Mine  ;  write  Lengthy  and  often.  Mr. 
Nath.  Barrett  and  Mr.  Buck  are  here.  People  move  slowly  out, 
they  tell  me,  from  Boston.  My  best  Respects  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Burr. 
My  poor  Face  and  Eyes  are  in  a  most  shocking  scituation,  burnt  up 
and  much  swell'd  and  a  little  painfull.  I  don't  know  how  to  man 
age  with  it. 

Is  your  Father  out?  As  soon  as  you  know,  do  acquaint  me, 
and  send  me  the  Letters,  and  I  will  then  write  him.  Pray  let  me 
hear  from  you  by  every  Post.  God  Bless  you  my  Dr  Girl,  and  be 
lieve  me  most  Sincerely 

Yours  most  Affectionately, 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

It  is -apparent  that  Hancock's  ideas,  when  at  Worces 
ter,  of  the  duty  of  the  Provincial  Congress,  were  exactly 
those  of  that  body  left  by  him ;  for,  as  soon  as  the  Con 
tinental  Congress  assembled,  a  packet  was  received  from 
Massachusetts  Congress,  containing  copies  of  the  depo 
sitions  sent  to  London,  of  the  address  to  the  inhabitants 
of  Great  Britain,  and  a  letter  to  Benjamin  Franklin,  Esq. 

As  we  have  been  interested  in  the  noted  men  shown 
by  the  Letter-book  to  have  been  in  touch  with  Hancock 
at  Boston,  so  we  cannot  fail  to  have  an  interest  in  those 
with  whom  he  came  in  contact  through  the  opening  and 
progress  of  the  Second  Continental  Congress  at  Phila 
delphia.  There  was  George  Washington  from  Virginia, 
whom  Hancock  had  met  in  Boston  in  the  year  1756. 
Richard  Henry  Lee,  a  close  companion  of  Colonel 
Washington,  was  early  introduced  to  Hancock  by  John 
Adams,  who  had  made  the  acquaintance  of  the  Virginian 
at  the  former  Congress.  Peyton  Randolph,  the  presi 
dent  of  the  former  Congress,  and  also  the  one  chosen 
to  the  honored  seat  for  the  Second  Congress,  was  early 
presented  to  Hancock,  the  man  who  almost  alone  of  the 
wealthy,  aristocratic  merchants  of  Boston  had  early  es 
poused  the  side  of  opposition  to  Great  Britain.  Others 
from  Virginia  were  Edmund  Pendleton,  Benjamin  Har 
rison,  and  Richard  Bland.  Benjamin  Eranklin  and  Han 
cock  met  before  the  Congress  assembled.  They  were 
both  Massachusetts  born,  and  now,  as  regards  age  and 
experience,  stood  in  the  relation  of  father  and  son. 
George  Clinton  and  Robert  Livingston  from  New  York 
were  soon  on  friendly  relations  with  Hancock. 

The  late  coming  of  Thomas  Jefferson  in  place  of 
Peyton  Randolph,  who  was  obliged  to  return  to  his 
home,  brought  another  man  to  the  side  of  Hancock. 


o  = 


<     . 

O     M 


HE   IS  PROSCRIBED   BY  PROCLAMATION         2OI 

Southern  delegates  were  not  averse  to  him  as  they  were 
to  the  more  radical  Adamses;  for  Hancock,  represent 
ing  a  different  class  of  society,  was  more  conciliatory 
in  his  presence. 

It  was  during  the  early  part  of  this  Congress  that 
General  Gage  at  Boston  issued  a  proclamation  offering 
pardon  to  all  the  rebels  except  Samuel  Adams  and  John 
Hancock,  "  whose  offences  are  of  too  flagitious  a  nature 
to  admit  of  any  other  consideration  than  that  of  condign 
punishment."  It  was  a  proscribed  rebel  who  was  se 
lected  by  this  notable  assembly  as  their  president  when 
Peyton  Randolph  retired.  Benjamin  Harrison  con 
ducted  John  Hancock  to  the  president's  chair,  remark- 
in  <r  as  he  went,  "  We  will  show  Britain  how  much  we 

o 

value  her  proscriptions." 

Hancock's  ability  as  a  presiding  officer  had  been  de 
tected  in  the  Boston  town-meetings,  and  in  this  exalted 
position  he  merited  much  credit.  It  was  when  Han 
cock  was  in  the  chair  that  Washington  was  nominated 
by  John  Adams  as  commander-in-chief  of  the  Conti 
nental  army.  Thus  Virginia  and  Massachusetts  were 
strengthening  their  early  alliance.  It  was  at  this  nom 
ination  that  John  Adams  is  credited  with  having  de 
tected  in  the  countenance  of  Hancock  jealousy  and 
resentment.  Without  questioning  the  power  of  John 
Adams  to  penetrate  to  the  feelings  of  a  silent  man,  we 
can  but  accord  credit  to  the  one  who  was  disappointed, 
for  having  so  mastered  his  ambitions  as  to  write  to 
General  Washington,  on  July  10,  1775,  as  follows:  — 

I  must  beg  the  favor  that  you  will  reserve  some  berth  for  me,  in 
such  department  as  you  may  judge  most  proper ;  for  I  am  deter 
mined  to  act  under  you,  if  it  be  to  take  a  firelock  and  join  the  ranks 
as  volunteer. 


2O2  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

It  does  not  appear  that  Hancock  joined  the  army 
under  Washington,  but  the  letter  speaks  for  itself. 
Other  and  later  evidence  of  Hancock's  friendly  regard 
for  Washington  is  seen  in  the  naming  of  his  son  John 
George  Washington  Hancock. 

In  May,  Congress  directed  reprisals  to  be  made,  both 
by  public  and  private  armed  vessels,  against  the  ships 
and  goods  of  the  mother  country,  found  on  the  high 
seas.  By  this  act,  known  as  privateering,  Hancock  saw 
that  the  Congress  were  in  sympathy  with  him  and  other 
merchants  who  had  for  years  been  declaring  that  the 
commercial  question  was  the  one  of  great  importance. 

As  the  overburdened  merchant,  banker,  or  politician 
leaves  his  office,  and  seeks  relief  in  the  quiet  of  domes 
tic  comforts,  so  we  find  the  president  of  the  Continental 
Congress,  with  mind  distracted  by  private  and  public 
cares,  turn  for  relief  to  the  most  common,  trifling  con 
cerns  of  domestic  life. 

Lest  we  lose  sight  of  that  charming  young  lady  last 
seen  at  the  parsonage  at  Woburn  Precinct,  let  us  leave 
the  arena  of  government,  and  follow  her  to  Fairfield, 
Conn.,  where  she  is  the  guest  at  the  house  of  Thaddeus 
Burr,  and  there  receives  a  letter  from  her  lover,  John 
Hancock. 

[From  New  England  Magazine^ 

PHILAD'A,  loth  June,  1775. 

MY  DR.  DOLLY  :  I  am  almost  prevailed  on  to  think  that  my  let 
ters  to  my  Aunt  &  you  are  not  read,  for  I  cannot  obtain  a  reply,  I 
have  ask'd  million  questions  &  not  an  answer  to  one,  I  beg'd  you  to 
let  me  know  what  things  my  Aunt  wanted  &  you,  and  many  other 
matters  I  wanted  to  know,  but  not  one  word  in  answer.  I  Really 
Take  it  extreme  unkind,  pray  my  Dr-  use  not  so  much  Ceremony  & 
Reservedness,  why  can't  you  use  freedom  in  writing,  be  not  afraid 
of  me,  I  want  long  Letters.  I  am  glad  the  little  things  I  sent  you 
were  agreeable.  Why  did  you  not  write  me  of  the  top  of  the  Um- 


A   LOVE   LETTER  203 

brella.  I  am  so  sorry  it  was  spoiled,  but  I  will  send  you  another  by 
my  Express  wch  will  go  in  a  few  days.  How  did  my  Aunt  like  her 
gown,  &  do  let  me  know  if  the  Stockings  suited  her  ;  she  had  better 
send  a  pattern  shoe  &  stocking,  I  warrant  I  will  suit  her.  The  In- 
clos'd  letter  for  your  Father  you  will  read,  &  seal  &  forward  him, 
you  will  observe  I  mention  in  it  your  writing  your  Sister  Katy  about 
a  few  necessaries  for  Katy  Sewall,  what  you  think  Right  let  her 
have  &  Roy  James,  this  only  between  you  and  I ;  do  write  your 
Father  I  should  be  glad  to  hear  from  him,  &  I  Beg,  my  Dear  Dolly, 
you  will  write  me  often  &  long  Letters,  I  will  forgive  the  past  if  you 
will  mend  in  future.  Do  ask  my  Aunt  to  make  me  up  &  send  me  a 
Watch  String,  &  do  you  make  up  another  £  send  me,  I  wear  them 
out  fast.  I  want  some  little  thing  of  your  doing. 

Remember  me  to  all  Friends  with  you  as  if  nam'd.  I  am  call'd 
upon  &  must  obey. 

I  have  sent  you  by  Docr  Church  in  a  paper  Box  Directed  to  you, 
the  following  things,  for  your  acceptance,  &  which  I  do  insist  you 
wear,  if  you  do  not,  I  shall  think  the  Donor  is  the  objection  : 

2  pair  white  silk  |  stockings  which 

4  pr.  white  thread  )  I  think  will  fit  you 

i  pr.  Black  Satin  |  shoes,  the  other 

i  p.  Black  Calem  Co.  )  Shall  be  sent  when  done. 

I  very  pretty  light  Hat 

1  neat  Airy  Summer  Cloak.     (I  ask  Docr.  Church) 

2  caps 

i  Fann 

I  wish  these  may  please  you,  I  shall  be  gratified  if  they  do,  pray 
write  me,  I  will  attend  to  all  your  Commands. 

Adieu  my  D»"  Girl,  and  believe  me  to  be  with  great  Esteem  & 
Affection. 

Yours  without  Reserve, 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 
Remember  me  to  Katy  Brackett. 

It  is  to  be  hoped  that  the  heart  of  John  Hancock  was 
soothed  by  a  note  from  Miss  "  Dolly,"  and  that  he  was 
comforted  by  receiving  the  simple  testimonial,  a  watch- 
string,  for  which  he  expressed  a  wish. 

As  may  well  be  supposed,  Hancock's  shrewd,  design- 


204  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

ing  Aunt  Lyclia  was  a  guest  with  Miss  Ouincy  at  the 
home  of  Thaddeus  Burr  ;  and  had  it  not  been  for  her 
presence,  family  history  might  have  taken  a  different 
turn. 

A  nephew  of  their  host,  Aaron  Burr,  came  as  a  guest 
to  the  home  ;  and  his  magnetic  influence  soon  had  an 
effect  upon  the  beautiful  young  lady  guest.  But  the 
watchful  aunt  prevented  the  charmer  from  thwarting 
the  Hancock  family  plans,  and  on  the  28th  day  of  the 
following  August  there  was  a  great  wedding  at  Fairfield. 
John  Hancock,  the  President  of  the  Continental  Con 
gress,  and  Miss  Dorothy  Quincy  were  joined  in  marriage 
in  style  befitting  the  family  situation. 

The  noted  couple  went  at  once  to  Philadelphia,  and 
took  up  their  abode,  thus  providing  a  retreat  for  the 
weary  president  when  he  daily  retired  from  the  duties 
of  Congress. 

While  it  was  not  prudent  for  Hancock  to  return  to 
Boston  during  the  siege,  he  kept  in  touch  with  the 
patriots  who  were  there,  communication  being  kept  up 
by  the  hand  of  his  servant.  See  letter  of  John  Adams 
to  his  wife  :  — 

PHILADELPHIA,  29  May,  1775. 

Our  amiable  friend  Hancock,  who,  by  the  way,  is  our  President, 
is  to  send  his  servant  to-morrow  to  Cambridge.  I  am  to  send  a 
few  lines  by  him.  If  his  man  should  come  to  you,  to  deliver  this 
letter,  treat  him  very  kindly,  because  he  is  a  kind,  humane,  clever 
fellow. 


JOHN   HANCOCK. 
President  of  Continental    Congress. 


HANCOCK'S  LETTER    TO    WASHINGTON          2C>5 


CHAPTER    XIX 

HANCOCK'S   LETTER  TO   WASHINGTON    IN   REGARD   TO   BOM- 
HARDING     BOSTON.       LETTER     TO     CANADA.       REJOICING     AT 

WASHINGTON'S  REPORT  OF  THE    EVACUATION  OF  BOSTON. 
-    OCCUPANTS  OF  HANCOCK  MANSION  DURING  THE  SIEGE  OF 

BOSTON.  HANCOCK  DENOUNCES  CHARGE  AGAINST  THE 
PROVINCES.  HANCOCK  AND  HIS  WIFE  INVITE  GENERAL  AND 
LADY  WASHINGTON  TO  THEIR  HOME  AT  PHILADELPHIA. 
DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE.  FLIGHT  TO  BALTIMORE. 
BIRTH  OF  A  DAUGHTER  TO  JOHN  AND  DOROTHY  HANCOCK. 


ALTHOUGH  Hancock  had  a  new-found  treasure  with 
him  at  Philadelphia,  he  turned  at  times  with  solicitude 
to  Boston,  where  his  property  was  at  the  mercy  of  the 
enemy.  He  thought  of  that  army  besieging  the  town, 
but  he  knew  their  leader  was  friendly  ;  and  to  Wash 
ington,  located  in  the  beautiful  home  on  "Tory  Row," 
Cambridge,  Hancock  wrote  on  Dec.  22,  1775  :  — 

For  your  future  proceedings,  I  must  beg  leave  to  refer  you  to 
the  inclosed  resolutions.  I  would  just  inform  you  that  the  last  re 
solve,  relative  to  an  attack  upon  Boston,  passed  after  a  most  serious 
debate  in  a  committee  of  the  whole  house.  You  are  now  left  to  the 
dictates  of  prudence  and  your  own  judgment.  May  God  crown 
your  attempt  with  success.  I  most  heartily  wish  it,  though,  individ 
ually,  I  may  be  the  greatest  sufferer. 

To  the  inhabitants  of  Canada  Hancock  says  :  — 

Let  it  be  the  pride  of  those  whose  souls  are  warmed  and  illu 
minated  by  the  sacred  flames  of  freedom,  to  be  discouraged  by  no 


206  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

check,  and  to  surmount  every  obstacle  that  may  be  interposed  be 
tween  them  and  the  darling  object  of  their  wishes.  We  anticipate, 
in  our  pleased  imaginations,  the  happy  period  when  the  standard  of 
tyranny  shall  find  no  place  in  North  America. 

In  addressing  General  Philip  Schuyler,  after  the  sur 
render  of  Montreal,  Hancock  writes  :  — 

You  have  hitherto  risen  superior  to  a  thousand  difficulties,  in 
giving  freedom  to  a  great  and  an  oppressed  people.  You  have 
already  reaped  many  laurels,  but  a  plentiful  harvest  still  invites  you. 
Proceed,  therefore,  and  let  the  footsteps  of  victory  open  a  way  for 
the  blessings  of  liberty,  and  the  happiness  of  a  well-ordered  govern 
ment  to  visit  that  extensive  domain.  Consider  that  the  road  to 
glory  is  seldom  strewed  with  flowers  ;  and  that,  when  the  black  and 
bloody  standard  of  tyranny  is  erected  in 
a  land  possessed  by  freemen,  patriots 
cease  to  remain  inactive  spectators  of 
their  country's  fall. 

In  a  letter  to  General  Mont 
gomery,  in  regard  to  the  surren 
der  of  Montreal,  Hancock  writes  : 

The  Congress,  utterly  abhorrent  from 
every  species  of  cruelty  to  prisoners,  and 
GENERAL  GEORGE  determined  to  adhere  to  this  benevolent 

WASHINGTON.  maxim  till  the  conduct  of  their  enemies 

renders  a  deviation  from  it  indispensably 

necessary,  will  ever  applaud  their  officers  for  beautifully  blending 
the  Christian  with  the  conqueror,  and  never,  in  endeavoring  to 
acquire  the  character  of  the  hero,  to  lose  that  of  the  man. 

Remembering  that  on  March  17,  1776,  General  Gage, 
with  the  British  army  and  a  thousand  or  more  Loyalists 
(Tories),  abandoned  Boston,  and  that  Washington  en 
tered  the  evacuated  town  at  once,  we  are  curious  to 
know  how  the  good  news  affected  the  absent  Boston 
merchant,  John  Hancock. 


THE  EVACUATION  OF  BOSTON  2O/ 

This  we  find  in  a  letter  of  eight  days  later  to  the 
commander-iii-chief :  — 

SIR  :  I  had  the  honor  of  receiving  yesterday  yours  of  the  I9tll> 
containing  the  agreeable  information  of  the  ministerial  troops  hav 
ing  abandoned  Boston,  the  partial  victory  we  have  obtained  over 
them  in  that  quarter,  I  hope,  will  turn  out  a  happy  presage  of  a 
more  general  one.  Whatever  place  may  he  the  object  of  their  des 
tination,  it  must  certainly  give  a  sincere  pleasure  to  every  friend 
of  the  country  to  see  the  most  diligent  preparations  everywhere 
making  to  receive  them.  What  may  be  their  views,  it  is,  indeed, 
impossible  to  tell  with  any  degree  of  exactness.  We  have  all  the 
reason,  however,  from  the  rage  of  disappointment  and  revenge,  to 
expect  the  worst.  Nor  have  I  any  doubt  that,  as  far  as  their  power 
extends,  they  will  inflict  every  species  of  calamity  upon  us.  The 
same  Providence  that  has  baffled  their  attempt  against  the  Province 
of  Massachusetts  Bay  will,  I  trust,  defeat  the  deep-laid  scheme, 
they  are  now  meditating  against  some  other  part  of  our  country. 

The  intelligence  that  our  army  had  got  possession  of  Boston, 
you  will  readily  suppose,  gave  me  heartfelt  pleasure.  I  beg  sir,  you 
will  be  pleased  to  accept  my  warmest  thanks  for  the  attention 
you  Jiave  showed  to  my  property  in  that  town.  I  have  only  to 
request  that  Capt.  Cazneau  will  continue  to  look  after  and  take  care 
that  it  be  no  ways  destroyed  or  damaged.  This  success  of  our 
arms  naturally  calls  upon  me  to  congratulate  you,  sir,  to  whose  wis 
dom  and  conduct  it  has  been  owing.  Permit  me  to  add,  that  if  a 
constant  discharge  of  the  most  important  duties,  and  the  fame 
attending  thereon,  can  afford  genuine  satisfaction,  the  pleasure  you 
feel  must  be  the  most  rational  and  exalted. 

[Letter  from  "Book  of  the  Signers."] 

PHILADELPHIA,  2ist  March,  1776. 

Thursday  Evening. 

SIR  :  I  am  this  moment  honor'd  with  your  favV  of  I3th  by 
Express  which  I  shall  lay  before  Congress  in  the  morning.  I 
expect  immediately  to  be  order'd  to  Dispatch  the  first  Fessenden  to 
you  when  I  shall  have  the  honour  to  write  you  very  particularly. 
This  is  only  to  inform  you  that  I  have  sent  Two  hundred  and  fifty 
Thousand  Dollars  for  the  use  of  the  army  under  your  command.  In 
the  care  of  Thomas  Hanson,  John  Donaldson  &  Moses  Franks, 
Esqrs,  gentlemen  of  character,  who  I  am  confident  will  meet  your 


208  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

notice.     I  am  with  the  fullest  sentiments  of  Esteem.  Sir  Your  very 
humble  servt, 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Pres'cTt. 

His  EXCELLENCY  GENERAL  WASHINGTON. 

On  Public  Service 
Superscribed 

To  His  EXCELLENCY,  GENERAL  WASHINGTON, 

Commander  in  Chief  of  the  Army  of  the  United  Colonies,  &=<;. 

at  Cambridge. 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  by  Mr.  Hanson. 

The  official  letter,  with  congratulations  from  Con 
gress,  under  date  of  April  2,  bears  the  signature  of 
John  Hancock. 

Hancock's  private  letter  to  Washington  furnishes  an 
intimation  of  the  facts  which  the  reader,  interested  in 
the  Hancock  mansion,  must  desire  to  know. 

The  conduct  of  Gage's  troops  about  the  premises, 
before  the  family  vacated,  made  the  members  the  more 
anxious  in  their  absence.  The  property  was  intrusted 
to  Captain  Cazneau,1  one  of  John  Hancock's  sailing- 
masters,  who  had  no  employment  when  the  blockade 
went  into  effect.  How  far  his  vigilance  may  have  been 
helpful,  cannot  be  known  ;  but  the  mansion  was  spared, 
although  not  without  signs  of  the  rough  treatment  of 
the  officers  who  enjoyed  its  luxuriant  furnishings,  as  a 
.subsequent  letter  reveals. 

This  mansion  was  occupied  soon  after  April  19,  1775, 
by  Earl  Percy,  who  took  possession  by  order  of  General 
Gage.  General  Clinton  was  located  there  for  a  time. 
Both  house  and  stables  were  in  part  occupied  by  the 

1  Captain  Isaac  Cazneau,  of  Huguenot  descent,  nephew  of  1'aix  Cnz- 
neau,  who  kept  the  Sun  Tavern  of  Boston. 


THE    UNPREPARED  STATE    OF   THE   COLONIES    2OQ 

wounded  brought  over  to  Boston  on  the  night  succeed 
ing  the  Battle  of  Bunker  Hill.1 

Hancock  says  on  April  30,  1776:- 

The  unprepared  state  of  the  colonies,  on  the  commencement 
of  the  war,  and  the  almost  total  want  of  everything  necessary  to 
carry  it  on,  are  the  true  sources  from  whence  all  our  difficulties  have 
proceeded.  This  fact,  however,  furnishes  a  proof  most  striking  of 
the  weakness  or  wickedness  of  those  who  charge  them  with  an  origi 
nal  intention  of  withdrawing  from  the  government  of  Great  Britain, 
and  erecting  an  independent  empire.  Had  such  a  scheme  been 
formed,  the  most  warlike  preparations  would  have  been  necessary 
to  effect  it. 

This  truthful  analysis  of  the  situation  tallied  with 
Franklin's  statement  to  Lord  Chatham  just  before  April 
!9»  I775»  "I  never  heard  from  any  person  the  least 
expression  of  a  wish  for  separation  ;  "  also  with  Washing 
ton's  words  in  the  previous  October,  "  No  such  thing  as 
independence  is  desired  by  any  thinking  man  in  Amer 
ica  ;"  and  with  Jefferson's  statement,  "Before  the  iQth 
of  April,  1775,  I  never  heard  a  whisper  of  a  disposi 
tion  to  separate  from  Great  Britain."  John  Adams's 
statement,  published  a  month  before  open  hostilities, 
breathes  the  same.  It  is,  "That  there  are  any  who  pant 
after  independence  is  the  greatest  slander  in  the  Prov 
ince." 

The  removal  of  the  seat  of  war  from  New  England 
gave  occasion  for  the  commander-in-chief  to  proceed  to 
New  York,  where  he  made  his  headquarters.  But  the 

1  The  town,  although  it  has  suffered  greatly,  is  not  in  so  bad  a  state 
as  I  expected  to  find  it;  and  I  have  a  particular  pleasure  in  being  able  to 
inform  you,  sir,  that  your  house  has  received  no  damage  worth  mention 
ing.  Your  furniture  is  in  tolerable  order,  and  the  family  pictures  are  all 
left  entire  and  untouched. — WASHINGTON  TO  HANCOCK. 

Tuesday,  March  9. 


210  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

Continental  Congress,  on  May  16,  passed  a  resolution 
calling  Washington  to  Philadelphia,  in  order  to  advise 
with  them  as  to  future  movements.  The  expected  visit 
gave  Hancock  an  opportunity  to  express  his  kindly  feel 
ing  towards  Washington,  which  is  seen  in  the  following 
letter  :  - 

I  reside  in  an  airy,  open  part  of  the  city,  in  Arch  Street  and 
Fourth  Street.  Your  favor  of  the  2o*h  inst.  I  received  this  morning, 
and  cannot  help  expressing  the  very  great  pleasure  it  would  afford 
Mrs.  Hancock  and  myself  to  have  the  happiness  of  accommodating 
you  during  Your  stay  in  this  city.  As  the  house  I  live  in  is  large 
and  roomy,  it  will  be  entirely  in  Your  power  to  live  in  that  manner 
you  should  wish.  Mrs.  Washington  may  be  as  retired  as  she  pleases, 
while  under  inoculation,1  and  Mrs.  Hancock  will  esteem  it  an  honor 
to  have  Mrs.  Washington  inoculated  in  her  house ;  and  as  I  am  in 
formed  Mr.  Randolph  has  not  any  lady  about  his  house  to  take  the 
necessary  care  of  Mrs.  Washington,  I  flatter  myself  she  will  be  as 
well  attended  in  my  family. 

In  short,  sir,  I  must  take  the  freedom  to  repeat  my  wish,  that 
You  will  be  pleased  to  condescend  to  dwell  under  my  roof.  I  assure 
you,  sir,  I  will  do  all  in  my  power  to  render  your  stay  agreeable, 
and  my  house  shall  be  entirely  at  your  disposal.  I  must,  however, 
submit  this  to  your  determination  and  only  add  that  you  will  pecu 
liarly  gratify  Mrs.  H.  and  myself,  in  affording  me  an  opportunity  of 
convincing  you  of  this  truth,  that  I  am,  with  every  sentiment  of  re 
gard  for  you  and  your  connections,  and  with  much  esteem,  dear  sir, 
Your  faithful  and  most  obedient  humble  servant. 

The  result  of  the  deliberations  of  Congress  is  learned 
from  the  following  letter  of  July  6,  1/76,  to  Washing 
ton  :  — 

The  Congress,  for  some  days  past,  have  had  their  attention  oc 
cupied  by  one  of  the  most  interesting  and  important  subjects  that 
could  possibly  come  before  them,  or  any  other  assembly  of  men. 

1  Having  had  the  small-pox  when  a  young  man,  at  Barbadoes,  Wash 
ington  felt  safe  in  the  presence  of  that  dreaded  malady,  which  caused  so 
much  trouble  during  the  war ;  but  he  was  anxious  for  Mrs.  Washington  to 
be  inoculated,  as  the  means  of  prevention  adopted  at  that  time. 


THE   DECLARATION  OF  INDEPENDENCE         211 

Although  it  is  not  possible  to  foresee  consequences  of  human  ac 
tions,  yet  it  is,  nevertheless,  a  duty  we  owe  ourselves  and  posterity, 
in  all  our  public  counsels,  to  decide  in  the  best  manner  we  are  able, 
and  to  trust  the  event  to  that  Being,  who  controls  both  causes  and 
events,  to  bring  about  his  own  determinations.  Impressed  with 
this  sentiment,  and  at  the  same  time  fully  convinced  that  our  affairs 
may  take  a  more  favorable  turn,  the  Congress  have  judged  it  neces 
sary  to  dissolve  all  connections  between  Great  Britain  and  the 
American  Colonies,  and  to  declare  them  free  and  independent  States, 
as  you  will  perceive  by  the  enclosed  Declaration,  which  I  am  di 
rected  by  Congress  to  transmit  to  you,  and  to  request  you  will  have 
proclaimed  at  the  head  of  the  army,  in  the  way  you  shall  think  most 
proper. 

It  was  to  this  Declaration  that  John  Hancock  was 
first  to  affix  his  signature,  saying,  "  I  write  so  that  George 
the  Third  may  read  without  his  spectacles."  1 

While  the  patriots  of  the  various  towns  had,  by  their 
votes,  encouraged  their  representatives  to  declare  the 
country's  independence,  there  were  not  wanting  those 
who  believed  and  said  that  John  Hancock  and  all  who 
had  put  their  names  on  that  document  had  signed  their 
death-warrant. 

Among  those  who  urged  the  president  to  this  bold 
act  was  his  father-in-law,  Edmund  Quincy,  who  in  a  let 
ter,  under  date  of  March  25,  1776,  said  :  — 

Truly  I  think  that  the  member  of  the  House  of  Commons,  who, 
in  a  ludicrous  manner,  inquired  at  what  time  the  Americans  were 
emancipated  might  have  saved  himself  the  trouble  by  looking  into 
Sir  William  Blackstone's  "  Commentaries,"  vol.  i.,  p.  233,  upon  the 
duties  of  kings,  where  he  would  have  found  it  to  be  a  maxim  of 
common  law:  "  When  protection  ceaseth,  allegiance  ceaseth  to  be 
the  duty  of  subjects."  —  Mass.  Historical  Society,  1858-1860. 

1  The  signature  of  the  President  of  the  Continental  Congress,  seen  upon 
the  Declaration  of  Independence,  has  been  characterized  as  evidence  of 
egotism,  but  will  be  seen  to  appear  in  very  similar  style  in  private  letters 
to  Mrs.  Hancock,  penned  for  no  other  eyes  than  those  of  his  beloved  wife. 


212  JOHN  HAATCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

People  may  disagree  as  to  the  inherent  and  acquired 
ability  of  Hancock.  There  may  be  varied  opinions  as 
to  the  motives  of  his  declarations,  oral  and  written,  and 
one  overt  act  may  be  allowed  to  outweigh  scores  of  cred 
itable  ones  ;  but  his  name  is  immortal,  and  to  be  read 
upon  the  Declaration  of  Independence  "  without  specta 
cles  "  by  every  lover  of  liberty  and  by  every  would-be 
tyrant.  (See  Frontispiece?) 

We  may  imagine  that  Hancock  took  peculiar  pride  in 
his  communication  to  General  Artemas  Ward,1  under  the 
same  date  as  that  to  Washington  ;  for  it  was  to  the  peo 
ple  of  Boston  and  the  entire  Province  of  Massachusetts. 

PHILADELPHIA,  July  6,  1776. 

SIR  :  The  enclosed  Declaration  of  Independence,  I  am  directed 
to  transmit  to  you  with  a  request  that  you  will  have  it  proclaimed  at 
the  head  of  the  troops  under  your  command  in  the  way  you  shall 
think  most  proper.  I  have  only  time  to  add,  that  the  importance 
of  it  will  naturally  suggest  the  Propriety  of  proclaiming  it  in  such  a 
manner,  as  that  the  whole  army  may  be  fully  appraised  of  it. 
I  have  the  honor  to  be,  sir, 

Your  most  obed.  and  very  h'ble  sevX 

JOHN  HANCOCK,  Presdt. 

In  an  eloquent  appeal  to  the  thirteen  United  States, 
dated  at  Philadelphia,  Sept.  24,  1776,  Hancock  says  :  — 

Let  us  convince  our  enemies  that,  as  we  are  entered  into  the 
present  contest  for  the  defence  of  our  liberties,  so  we  are  resolved, 
with  the  firmest  reliance  on  Heaven  for  the  justice  of  our  cause, 
never  to  relinquish  it,  but  rather  to  perish  in  the  ruins  of  it.  If  we 
do  but  remain  firm,  —  if  we  are  not  dismayed  at  the  little  shocks  of 
fortune,  and  are  determined,  at  all  hazards,  that  we  will  be  free,— 
I  am  persuaded  under  the  gracious  smiles  of  Providence,  assisted  by 
our  own  most  strenuous  endeavors,  we  shall  finally  succeed,  agreea- 

1  Aitemas  Ward  kept  a  general  store  at  Shrewsbury,  purchasing 
broadcloth,  etc.,  of  John  Hancock.  —  OLD  TIMES  IN  SHREWSBURY,  by 
Miss  Elizabeth  Ward. 


MRS.  JOHN    HANCOCK. 


CONGRESS  MEETS  AT  HALT/MOKE  21$ 

bly  to  our  wishes,  and  thereby  establish  the  independence,  the  hap 
piness,  and  the  glory  of  the  United  States  of  America. 

In  a  letter  to  several  States  dated  Philadelphia,  Oct. 
9,  1 776,  Hancock  writes  :  — 

The  Congress,  for  very  obvious  reasons,  are  extremely  anxious 
to  keep  the  army  together.  The  dangerous  consequences  of  their 
breaking  up,  and  the  difficulty  of  forming  a  new  one,  are  inconceiv 
able.  Were  this  barrier  once  removed,  military  power  would  quickly 
spread  desolation  and  ruin  over  the  face  of  our  country.  The  im 
portance,  and,  indeed,  the  absolute  necessity,  of  filling  up  the  army, 
of  providing  for  the  troops,  and  engaging  them  to  serve  during  the 
war,  is  so  apparent,  and  has  been  so  frequently  urged,  that  I  shall 
only  request  your  attention  to  the  resolve  of  Congress  on  this  sub 
ject  ;  and  beseech  you  by  that  love  you  have  for  your  country,  her 
rights  and  liberties,  to  exert  yourselves  to  carry  them  Speedily  and 
effectually,  as  the  only  means  of  preserving  her  in  this  her  critical 
and  alarming  situation. 

The  next  letter  at  our  command  was  written  from 
Baltimore.  The  occasion  of  the  change  of  location  was 
the  unpleasant  nearness  of  the  British  army.  Washing 
ton  plainly  saw,  after  his  retreat  through  the  Jerseys, 
that  the  enemy  intended  to  take  possession  of  Philadel 
phia  as  soon  as  the  Delaware  River  should  be  frozen 
over ;  and  that  city  seemed  to  be  inevitably  lost.  For 
greater  safety,  Congress  changed  their  place  of  meeting 
from  Philadelphia  to  Baltimore.  It  was  Dec.  12,  1776, 
when  the  members  gathered  up  their  papers,  and  made 
haste  to  their  new  quarters.  Not  one  of  the  noted  men 
had  more  occasion  for  anxiety  at  this  critical  period  than 
the  president. 

There  was  soon  added  to  his  family  an  infant  daugh 
ter,  who  was  given  the  name  of  the  honored  aunt,  Lydia 
Henchman.  The  child  and  its  mother  were  objects  of 
Hancock's  tenderest  solicitude,  and  not  until  he  saw 


214  JOHN  HA  A' COCK,    7/AV   HOOK 

them  comfortably  located  at  the  home  of  Mr.  Samuel 
Purviance  in  Baltimore  could  he  turn  his  attention  to  the 
protection  of  the  infant  republic. 

It  was  on  Dec.  25,  1776,  that  Hancock  wrote  to  New 
England  thus  :  — 

It  is  needless  to  use  arguments  on  this  occasion,  or  to  paint  the 
dreadful  consequences,  to  gentlemen  already  fully  acquainted  with 
them,  of  leaving  the  back  settlements  of  the  New  England  States 
open  to  the  ravages  of  our  merciless  foes.  If  anything  can  add  to 
your  exertions,  at  this  time,  it  must  be  the  reflection  that  your  own 
most  immediate  safety  calls  upon  you  to  strain  every  nerve.  Should 
we  heedlessly  abandon  the  post  of  Ticonderoga,  we  give  up  incon 
ceivable  advantages.  Should  we  resolutely  maintain  it,  —  and  it  is 
extremely  capable  of  defence,  we  may  bid  defiance  to  Gen.  Carleton, 
and  the  northern  army  under  his  command.  But  our  exertions  for 
this  purpose  must  be  immediate,  or  they  will  not  avail  anything. 


CONGRESS   RETURNS    TO   PHILADELPHIA         215 


CHAPTER    XX 

CONGRESS  RETURNS  TO  PHILADELPHIA.  LETTER  TO  MRS. 
HANCOCK.  HANCOCK  RESIGNS  AS  PRESIDENT  OF  CON 
GRESS.  RETURNS  TO  BOSTON.  RECEPTION.  ELECTED  TO 
TOWN  OFFICE.  MILITARY  SERVICE.  RECEPTION  TO  FRENCH 
FLEET.  HANCOCK  PAYS  BILLS  FOR  BOSTON'S  HONOR. 

So  successful  was  Washington,  the  commander-in-chief, 
when  vested  with  unlimited  power,  and  the  danger  that 
threatened  Philadelphia  so  far  removed,  that  Congress 
returned  in  the  following  February.  Hancock  person 
ally  made  the  change  of  residence  with  little  difficulty  ; 
but  it  was  not  so  easy  to  remove  his  family  and  re-estab 
lish  his  home.  His  heart  yearned  for  his  wife  and  babe, 
and  two  letters  written  on  succeeding  days  afford  much 
intelligence.  By  them  we  arc  forcibly  reminded  of  the 
inconvenience  of  travel  at  the  time  ;  that  Hancock  re 
ceived  family  supplies  from  Boston  ;  that  he  did  not  for- 
fet  those  who  befriended  him  in  trouble,  even  though 

to 

he  had  nothing  more  than  codfish,  a  staple  of  Massachu 
setts,  to  offer  in  reward.  He  had  experienced  some  diffi 
culty  at  one  of  the  taverns  on  the  route,  and  wisely 
warned  Mrs.  Hancock  against  it.  While  he  would  have 
the  travelling  company  enjoy  a  "  genteel  dinner,"  he 
was  particular  that  it  was  at  his  expense.  Burdened 
with  cares  and  short  of  money,  he  hopes  relief  may 
come  with  his  family. 

An   artist   could  give  no  more  vivid   picture  of  the 
president  than  is  afforded  by  his  own  words  when   he 


2l6  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

pauses  in  his  duties  to  eat  a  plate  of  "  minc'd  veal  " 
brought  in  by  his  servant  "Jo." 

[Letter  in  possession  of  Mrs.  William  Wales.] 

PHILADELPHIA  loth  Marcn  1777. 

10  o'clock  evening. 

MY  DEAR  DEAR  DOLLY  :  My  Detention  at  the  Ferry  &  the  bad 
ness  of  the  Roads  prevented  my  arriving  here  untill  Friday  Evening. 

I  put  my  things  into  Mr.  Williams1  house,  and  went  in  pursuit 
of  Lodgings.  Neither  Mrs.  Yard  nor  Lucy  could  accommodate  me. 
I  then  went  to  Smith's  &  borrowed  Two  Blankets  &  returned  to  my 
own  house ;  soon  after  which,  Mrs.  Smith  sent  me  up  a  very  hand 
some  supper,  with  a  Table  cloth,  Knives  &  forks,  plates,  salt,  a 
print  of  Butter,  Tea,  double  refined  Sugar,  a  Bowl  of  Cream,  a  Loaf 
of  Bread  &c.  &c.  &  here  I  have  remained  &  shall  do  so  waiting  your 
arrival.  Indeed  Mrs.  Smith  oblig'd  me  much.  I  however  lead  a 
doleful  lonesome  life.  Tho'  on  Saturday,  I  dined  at  Dr.  Shippins'. 
He  desires  his  Regds.  he  is  as  lonesome  as  I.  On  Saturday  I  sat 
clown  to  Dinner  at  the  little  table  with  Folger  on  a  piece  of  Roast 
Beef  with  Potatoes.  We  drank  your  health  with  all  our  Baltimore 
friends.  Last  night  Miss  Lucy  came  to  see  me,  &  this  morning, 
while  I  was  at  Breakfast  on  Tea  with  a  pewter  tea-spoon,  Mrs. 
Yard  came  in.  she  could  not  stay  to  Breakfast  with  me.  I  spend 
my  evenings  at  home,  snuff  my  candles  with  a  pair  of  scissors, 
which  Lucy  seeing,  sent  me  a  pair  of  snuffers,  &  dipping  the  gravy 
out  of  the  Dish  with  my  pewter  tea  spoon,  she  sent  me  a  large  silver 
spoon,  and  two  silver  tea  spoons  —  that  I  am  now  quite  rich. 

I  shall  make  out  as  well  as  I  can,  but  I  assure  you,  my  Dear 
Soul,  I  long  to  have  you  here,  &  I  know  you  will  be  as  expeditious 
as  you  can.  When  I  part  from  you  again  it  must  be  a  very  extraor 
dinary  occasion.  I  have  sent  everywhere  to  get  a  gold  or  silver 
rattle  for  the  child  with  a  coral  to  send,  but  cannot  get  one.  I  will 
have  one  if  possible  on  yr.  coming.  I  have  sent  a  sash  for  her 
&  two  little  papers  of  pins  for  you.  If  you  do  not  want  them  you 
can  give  them  away. 

However  unsettled  things  may  be  I  could  not  help  sending  for 
you  as  I  cannot  live  in  this  way.  We  have  an  abundance  of  lies. 
The  current  report  is  General  Howe  is  bent  on  coming  here,  an 
other  report  is  that  the  Mercht's  at  New  York  are  packing  their  goods 
&  putting  them  on  board  ships  &  that  the  troops  are  going  away, 
neither  of  which  do  I  believe.  We  must,  however  take  our  chances, 


LETTER    TO  MRS.   HANCOCK  2 1/ 

this  you  may  depend  on,  that  you  will  be  ever  the  object  of  my 
utmost  care  &  attention. 

I  have  been  exceedingly  busy,  since  I  have  been  here,  tho1  have 
not  yet  made  a  Congress,  are  waiting  for  the  South  Carolina  gentle 
men.  If  Capt.  Hammond  is  arriv'd  with  any  things  from  Boston, 
You  will  have  them  put  in  the  waggons  &  brought  here.  If  she 
should  not  be  arriv'd  leave  the  Receipt  with  Mr.  S.  Purviance  & 
desire  him  to  receive  the  things  &  send  them  to  me.  The  inclosed 
Letter  give  to  Mr.  Newhouse,  one  of  the  Waggoners,  Send  for  him 
&  Let  him  know  when  You  will  be  ready.  I  hope  you  will  be  able 
to  pack  up  all  your  things  quickly  £  have  them  on  the  way,  &  that 
you  will  soon  follow,  be  careful  in  packing  &  do  not  leave  anything 
behind.  Let  Harry  see  that  every  thing  is  safely  stored  in  the 
waggons.  I  send  Mr.  McClosky,  he  will  be  very  useful.  I  am 
confident  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Hilligas  will  assist  you,  pray  my  best  Regds. 
to  them.  I  have  not  had  a  moments  time  to  go  to  their  house,  but 
intend  it  today  £  shall  write  Mr.  Hilligas  by  the  Post.  Young  Mr. 
Hilligas  got  here  on  Saturday,  he  is  well,  he  delivered  me  your 
letter  &  one  from  his  father.  I  was  exceeding  glad  to  hear  from 
you  &  hope  soon  to  receive  another  Letter.  I  know  you  will  set  off 
as  soon  as  You  can.  endeavor  to  make  good  stages.  You  may 
easily  lodge  at  Mr.  Steles1  at  Bush  the  first  night.  It  is  a  good 
house.  However  I  must  leave  those  matters  to  you  as  the  Road, 
must  in  a  great  measure  determine  your  Stages.  I  do  not  imagine 
there  is  any  danger  of  the  small-pox  on  the  Road.  Wilmington  is 
the  most  dangerous,  but  perhaps  you  can  order  your  stage  so  as  not 
to  lodge  at  Wilmington,  but  go  on  to  Chester.  I  want  to  get 
somebody  cleaver  to  accompany  you.  I  hope  to  send  one  to  you, 
but  if  I  should  not  be  able,  you  must  make  out  as  well  as  you  can. 

ii  Jfarc/i. 

I  will  write  you  by  the  Post  tomorrow.  I  can't  add  as  I  am  now 
calTd  on.  Take  good  care  of  Lydia.  I  hope  no  accident  will 
happen.  Inclosed  you  have  a  few  memo,  as  to  pack'g,  &c.  which  I 
submit  to  your  perusal. 

My  best  regd's  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Purviance  Capt  Nicholson  &  Lady, 
Mr.  Luce  &  family  &  indeed  all  friends.  My  love  to  Miss  Katy, 
tell  her  to  Ransack  the  house  &  leave  nothing  behind.  The  Wag 
goners  will  attend  you  at  all  times.  Remember  me  to  all  in  the 
family.  May  every  blessing  of  an  Indulgent  providence  attend  you. 
I  most  sincerely  wish  you  a  good  journey  £  hope  I  shall  soon,  very 


2l8  JO II A?  HANCOCK,   II1S  BOOK 

soon,  have  the  happiness  of  seeing  you  with  the  utmost  affection 
and  Love.     My  Dear  Dolly, 

I  am  yours  forever       JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Doctor  Bond  call'd  on  me,  Desir'd  his  compliments.  He  will 
inoculate  the  child  as  soon  as  it  comes. 

Mrs.  Washington  got  here  on  Saturday.  I  went  to  see  her. 
She  told  me  she  Drank  tea  with  you. 

Let  Harry  take  the  Continental  Horse,  Saddle  &  Bridle,  that  I 
left  at  Mr.  Purviance's  &  tell  Mr.  Purviance  to  charge  his  keeping 
in  his  public  credit.  If  Capt.  Hardy  returns  the  Horse  I  lent  him 
with  the  Saddle  &  Bridle  he  must  also  come.  Get  the  heavy  wag 
gon  off  as  soon  as  you  can,  that  they  may  be  here  as  early  as  pos 
sible,  as  we  shall  much  want  the  things  after  you  get  here.  I  have 
got  your  bundle  safe  with  the  Petticoat,  Table  Cloth,  I  have  not 
sent  it  as  I  thought  you  would  not  want  it. 

After  one  hundred  and  twenty-one  years,  these  two 
letters,  written  by  John  Hancock  to  his  wife  on  suc 
cessive  days,  are  brought  together.  The  former,  given 
to  Mrs.  William  Wales  by  Mrs.  Hancock,  has  never  be 
fore  been  published  ;  the  latter  has  been  published  in 
the  New  England  Magazine. 

PHILADELPHIA,  nth  March,  1777. 

9  o'clock  Evening. 

MY  DEAREST  DOLLY:  No  Congress  to-day,  and  I  have  been  as 
busily  employ'd  as  you  can  conceive  ;  quite  lonesome  £  in  a  domes- 
tick  scituation  that  ought  to  be  Relieved  as  speedily  as  possible, 
this  Relief  depends  upon  you,  and  the  greater  Dispatch  you  make 
&  the  Sooner  you  arrive  here,  the  more  speedy  will  be  my  relief. 
I  dispatched  Harry,  McClosky  &  Dennis  this  morning  with  Horses 
&  a  Waggon  as  winged  Messengers  to  bring  you  along.  God  grant 
you  a  speedy  and  safe  Journey  to  me.  Mr.  Pluckrose  the  Bearer 
of  this  going  for  Mrs.  Morris,  I  have  engaged  him  to  proceed  on  to 
Baltimore  to  deliver  you  this ;  I  wrote  you  this  morning  to  bring  all 
the  things  that  came  from  Boston  to  this  place,  but  should  they  be 
landed  before  you  leave  Baltimore,  I  could  wish  you  would  present 
One  Quintal  of  the  Salt  Fish,  &  three  or  four  Loaves  of  the  Sugar 
to  Mr.  Sam1!  Purviance,  or  in  case  they  should  not  be  landed,  leave 
directions  to  have  those  articles  taken  out  &  presented  to  Mr.  P. 


LETTER    TO  MRS.   HANCOCK  2IQ 

with  our  Compliments.  I  forget  what  other  things  there  are,  but 
if  you  choose  to  make  presents  of  any  of  them,  I  pray  you  to  do  it. 
If  in  the  prosecution  of  your  Journey  you  can  avoid  lodging  at  the 
head  of  Elk,  I  wish  you  would,  it  is  not  so  good  as  the  other  houses, 
but  this  must  depend  on  Circumstances  ;  I  wish  to  make  yor  journey 
as  agreeable  as  possible.  Should  any  Gentlemen  &  Ladies  accom 
pany  you  out  of  Town  do  send  McClosky  forward  to  order  a  hand 
some  Dinner  and  I  beg  you  will  pay  every  Expence,  order  McClosky 
to  direct  the  Landlord  not  to  Receive  a  single  farthing  from  any 
one  but  by  your  Direction,  &  order  a  genteel  Dinner ;  plenty  — 

If  Mr.  Thomson  cannot  be  Ready  with  his  Waggons  as  soon  as 
you  are,  do  not  wait,  but  part  of  the  Guard  with  an  Officer  must 
attend  yours,  &  part  be  left  to  guard  his,  I  only  wish  to  have  you 
here,  and  if  you  cannot  readily  attend  to  the  Return  of  the  things 
borrowed  of  Mr.  Dugan,  leave  them  in  the  Care  of  some  trusty 
person  to  deliver  them  and  pay  him  for  his  trouble.  Am  I  not  to 
have  another  letter  from  you,  surely  I  must.  I  shall  send  off  Mr. 
Rush  a  Tailor  to-morrow  or  next  day  to  meet  you.  I  wish  I  could 
do  better  for  you,  but  we  must  Ruff  it ;  I  am  so  harassed  with  ap 
plications,  &  have  been  sending  off  Expresses  to  Call  all  the  Mem 
bers  here,  that  I  have  as  much  as  I  can  Turn  my  hands  to ;  I  don't 
get  down  to  dinner,  Catch  a  Bit,  I  write,  &  then  at  it  again  .  .  . 
[the  writing  is  illegible  here]  ...  if  it  promotes  the  cause  I  am 
happy,  do  beg  Mr.  Hillegas  to  send  some  money  by  my  Waggons, 
or  I  shall  be  worn  out  with  applications,  pray  him  to  Take  pity  on 
me,  I  have  lent  my  own  Stock  already  to  stop  some  mouths. 

My  respects  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Hilligas,  they  must  excuse  my  not 
writing  now,  I  have  not  seen  their  son  since  he  deliver'd  me  your 
Letter,  I  asked  him  to  Call,  but  I  suppose  he  is  so  engaged  with 
his  Connections,  he  has  not  had  time,  I  could  wish  to  have  it  in  my 
power  to  do  him  any  Service  for  the  great  regard  I  bear  to  his 
worthy  Parents,  I  assure  you  I  really  love  them,  I  wish  they  were 
Coming  with  you,  I  could  then  have  a  Family  where  I  could  with 
pleasure  go,  &  ask  them  a  hundred  Questions,  &  take  a  thousand 
Liberties  with  them,  that  I  cannot  do  in  any  Family  now  here,  I 
shall  Regret  their  absence,  but  I  am  Determin'd  to  make  a  point  of 
having  them  up,  for  I  cannot  attend  to  the  applications  that  are 
made  to  me  in  consequence  of  the  Treasurer's  absence ;  he  must 
come,  I  shall  come  if  I  have  any  Influence. 

Lucy  &  Nancy  call'd  on  me,  I  was  busy  over  papers,  we  drank 
a  glass  together  to  our  Baltimore  Friends,  I  waited  on  them  home, 


220  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

&  return'd  to  my  Cottage  ;  Jo  comes  in  with  a  plate  of  mincM  Veal, 
that  I  must  stop,  I  shall  take  the  plate  in  one  hand,  the  knife  in  the 
other,  without  cloath,  or  any  Comfort,  &  Eat  a  little  £  then  to 
writing,  for  I  have  not  Room  on  the  Table  to  put  a  plate,  I  am  up 
to  the  eyes  in  papers.  Adieu  for  the  present. 

The  Inclosed  Letter  Lucy  just  sent  me  for  you.  —  Supper  is  over, 
no  Relish,  nor  shall  I  till  I  have  you  here,  &  I  wish  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Hil- 
ligas  to  join  us  at  Supper  on  Tuesday  Eveng,  when  I  shall  expect 
you.  I  shall  have  Fires  made  &  everything  ready  for  yor  Recep 
tion,  tho'  I  don't  mean  to  hurry  you  beyond  measure,  do  as  you 
like,  don't  fatigue  yourself  in  Travelling  too  fast.  I  keep  Josh  on 
trial,  he  promises  Reformation,  he  knows  fully  his  fate.  My  best 
Regards  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Purviance,  to  Mr.  Lay  &  Family,  Capt. 
Nicholson  £  wife,  Mr.  Stewart  &  wife  &  all  Friends.  Tell  Mr. 
Purviance  £  Capt.  Nicholson  I  shall  write  them  fully  in  a  day  or 
two  and  Determine  all  matters  to  their  satisfaction,  I  am  so  worried 
that  I  cannot  even  steal  time  to  write  them  now.  Tell  Mr.  Purvi 
ance  I  Rec'd  his  Letter  by  Post  and  will  forward  the  Letters  he 
Inclos'd  me  to  Boston  &  Newbury  to-morrow.  Pray  let  Dr.  Wisen- 
hall  know  that  I  Rec'd  his  Letter,  &  am  much  obliged  for  his  atten 
tion  to  the  Child,  &  that  I  will  do  everything  in  my  power  for  the 
Gentleman  who  he  mentions  in  his  Letter,  you  will  Recompense 
him  for  Calling  to  see  the  Child. 

Remember  me  to  all  in  the  Family.  If  Nancy  inclines  to  come 
in  the  Waggon,  £  you  like  it  she  may  Come,  do  as  you  like  in  every 
instance,  my  love  to  Miss  Katy,  tell  her  if  anything  is  left  behind, 
I  shall  have  at  her,  for  she  Ransack'd  when  we  left  Philad'a.  &  she 
must  do  the  same  now  — 

The  Opinion  of  some  seems  to  be  that  the  Troops  will  leave 
New  York,  where  bound  none  yet  know ;  one  thing  I  know  that 
they  can't  at  present  come  here,  perhaps  they  are  going  to  Boston, 
or  up  North  River.  Time  will  discover.  Never  fear,  we  shall  get 
the  day  finally  with  the  smiles  of  heaven. 

Do  Take  precious  Care  of  our  dear  little  Lydia. 

Adieu.     I  long  to  see  You  ;  Take  Care  of  Yourself;  I  am, 
my  Dear  Girl 

Yours  most  affectionately 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Do  let  Harry  Buy  &  bring  I  or  2  Bushells  of  Parsnips.  Bring 
all  the  wine,  none  to  be  got  here. 


II E   DECIDES    TO   RESIGN  HIS  POSITION        221 

John  Hancock  continued  in  Philadelphia,  with  an  oc 
casional  change,  through  the  summer  and  in  the  autumn 
of  the  year  1777;  but  all  the  time  he  was  struggling 
with  the  increasing  cares  of  Congress,  and  fighting 
against  his  physical  infirmities,  aggravated  by  the  un- 
healthful  atmosphere  of  the  locality.  But  it  is  evident 
that  Mrs.  Hancock  visited  Massachusetts  during  the 
summer,  and  that  Mr.  Hancock  wrote  several  letters  to 
her  without  a  reply.  One  directed  "to  Mrs.  Hancock 
at  Worcester  or  Bostdn  "  was  published  in  the  N.  E. 
Historical  Register  \\\  1858.  It  is  given  here  with  due 
credit  to  its  source,  as  it  fills  a  vacancy  at  this  point, 
and  tells  of  the  determination  of  the  President  to  resign 

his  position. 

YORK  TOWN,  October  i8ti»  1777. 
Mv  DEAR  DOLLY, 

I  am  now  at  this  Date  £  not  a  line  from  you.  Nor  a  single  word 
have  I  heard  from  you  since  your  Letter  by  Dodd,  immediately  upon 
your  arrival  at  Worcester,  which  you  may  judge  affects  me  not  a 
little,  but  I  must  submit  &  will  only  say  that  I  expected  oftener  to 
have  been  the  object  of  your  attention. 

This  is  my  sixth  Letter  to  you.  The  former  ones  I  hope  you 
have  Rec'd,  by  the  Completion  of  those  Letters  you  will  I  dare  say, 
be  apprehensive  that  my  stay  here  was  nearly  Determined  for  the 
winter  &  that  I  had  thoughts  of  soliciting  your  Return  to  me.  My 
thoughts  on  that  subject  were  for  a  season  serious,  but  various 
reasons  have  occurred  to  induce  me  to  alter  my  Resolutions,  and  I 
am  now  to  inform  you  that  I  have  come  to  a  fixed  Determination  to 
Return  to  Boston  for  a  short  time,  &  I  have  notified  Congress  in 
form  of  my  Intentions.  You  will  therefore  please  immediately 
on  Receipt  of  this  to  tell  Mr.  Sprigs  to  prepare  the  Light  Carriage 
£  Four  Horses  &  himself  to  be  ready  to  proceed  on  to  Hartford  or 
Fairfield,  as  I  shall  hereafter  direct  to  meet  me  on  the  Road.  If 
my  old  Black  Horses  are  not  able  to  perform  the  journey  he  must 
hire  Two.  The  particular  time  of  my  setting  out  &  when,  (I  would 
have  Sprigs  come  forward)  you  shall  know  by  Dodd,  the  Express 
who  I  shall  Dispatch  tomorrow  morning.  My  present  Intention  is 
to  leave  Congress  in  eight  day,  but  more  particulars  in  my  next, 


222  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

I  shall  hope  &  must  Desire  that  you  will  take  a  Seat  in  the  carriage 
&  meet  me  on  the  Road,  which  will  much  advance  your  health,  & 
you  may  be  assurd  will  be  highly  satisfactory  to  me,  &  I  have  De 
sired  Mr.  Bant  to  accompany  you  in  the  carriage  &  when  we  meet 
he  can  take  my  sulkey  and  I  return  with  you  in  the  carriage  to  town. 
Mr.  Bant  must  hire  or  borrow  a  Servant  to  attend  you  on  Horse 
back,  as  Harry  £  Ned  are  both  with  me,  &  Joe  is  not  suitable.  My 
dear,  I  hope  your  health  will  admit  of  your  coming  with  Mr.  Bant. 
I  long  to  see  you.  I  shall  close  all  my  Business  in  three  Days  & 
indeed  have  already  nearly  finished,  &  when  once  I  set  out  shall 
travel  with  great  speed.  Nothing  will  prevent  my  seeing  you  soon, 
with  the  leave  of  providence  ;  but  a  prevention  of  passing  the  North 
River,  I  shall  push  hard  to  get  over,  even  if  I  go  as  far  as  Albany. 
I  need  not  tell  you  there  will  be  no  occasion  of  your  writing  me 
after  the  Receipt  of  this.  My  best  wishes  attend  you  for  every 
good.  I  have  much  to  say,  which  I  leave  to  a  Cheerful  Evening 
with  you  in  person. 

God  Bless  you  my  Dear  Dolly 

I  am 

Yours  most  affectionately 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

The  next  letter  from  Hancock  to  his  wife  is  treasured 
by  Mrs.  William  Wales  of  Dorchester,  and  reads  thus :— 

DOVER  (WITHIN  60  MILES  OF  HARTFORD), 

Saturday  i  of  Clock, 

8  Xov.  1777. 

MY  DEAR  :  I  am  thus  far  on  my  journey  to  meet  you,  thank 
Luck  for  it.  I  have  gone  thro1  many  Difficulties  on  the  Road,  but 
that  I  shall  not  mind.  The  Remembrance  of  these  Difficulties  will 
vanish  when  I  have  the  happiness  of  seeing  You.  I  am  still  obliged 
to  have  my  foot  wrapp'd  up  in  Baize,  but  I  brave  all  these  things. 
I  hire  this  person  to  carry  You  this  letter  in  Confidence  it  will  meet 
You  at  Hartford.  I  shall  get  along  as  fast  as  I  can,  but  having  a 
party  of  Light  horse  with  me  and  a  waggon  I  do  not  travel  so  fast 
as  I  otherwise  should.  What  if  you  should  on  Monday  morning 
set  out  to  meet  me,  on  the  Litchfield  Road  &  then  if  I  am  not  able 
to  reach  Hartford  that  day,  I  shall  have  the  satisfaction  of  seeing 
You  on  the  Road.  If  you  think  the  ride  will  be  too  much  I  would 
not  have  you  undertake  it,  but  I  hope  You  will  not  ride  many  miles 
before  we  shall  meet,  as  I  trust  Mr.  Bant  is  with  You.  my  Regd's 


XE TURNS    TO   BOSTON  22$ 

to  him,  my  best  wishes  attend  him.  Remember  me  to  Mrs.  Collier, 
for  I  suppose  you  are  there.  I  am  sorry  I  can  not  take  Fairfield  in 
my  way,  but  I  crossed  so  high  up  it  was  not  possible.  I  have  much 
to  say,  but  refer  all  to  the  happy  time  when  I  shall  be  with  you. 
God  bless  you  —  my  dear  girl,  and  believe  me  with  sincere  affection. 
Yours  forever, 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

Mrs.  McDagle  this  moment  comes  in  to  the  Tavern  £  is  going 
to  dine  with  us. 

For  the  farewell  to  Congress  see  Appendix  IV. 

It  necessarily  required  some  time  for  Hancock  to  ar 
range  his  affairs  so  as  to  start  for  Boston  ;  but  his  plans 
were  well  executed,  and  the  returning  ex-president  was 
gratified  by  meeting  Mrs.  Hancock,  and  having  her 
company  through  Connecticut  and  into  Boston. 

A  Hartford  journal  of  Nov.  19  gives  us  a  glimpse  of 
them  as  they  journey  :  — 

On  Friday  last  passed  through  this  town,  escorted  by  a  party 
of  light  dragoons,  the  Hon.  John  Hancock,  President  of  the  Ameri 
can  Congress,  with  his  lady,  on  his  way  to  Boston,  after  an  absence, 
on  public  business,  of  more  than  two  and  a  half  years. 

Happily  New  England  was  rid  of  the  enemy,  and  the 
old  family  mansion  was  standing,  to  which  Hancock 
longed  to  conduct  his  family.  Alas  for  the  happy  par 
ents,  that  bud  of  promise  had  been  early  blighted,  and 
they  made  their  way  to  Boston  with  mingled  joy  and 
sorrow.1 

We  may  well  imagine  the  reception  extended  to  this 
notable  couple  as  they  returned  to  Boston. 

"JoJin  Hancock  is  at  Jwme"  were  the  words  reported 
from  house  to  house ;  and  many  an  old  neighbor  donned 
his  cocked  hat,  and  made  haste  to  grasp  the  hand  of  the 
long-absent  man.  Honored  before,  he  was  doubly  hon- 

1  Lydia  Henchman  Hancock  died  in  infancy. 


224  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

ored  now,  and  happy  in  having  a  noble  wife  to  share  in 
all  the  demonstrations  of  the  town.  With  a  conscious 
ness  of  duty  well  performed,  John  Hancock  must  have 
gone  about  the  town,  halting  to  express  regret,  as  wan 
ton  destruction  appeared  to  view,  and  again  to  rejoice 
that  Faneuil  Hall,  the  State  House,  and  South  Meeting 
House  were  left  in  as  good  condition  as  they  were. 
When  the  long-absent  ones  gathered  once  more  in  the 
family  pew  in  Brattle-street  Church,  prayers  of  thanks 
giving  went  up  from  many  hearts.  It  was  this  house 
which  received  the  bell,  a  gift  from  Hancock,  that,  ar 
riving  after  the  blockade,  was  brought  to  Boston  by  way 
of  Salem.  The  name  of  John  Hancock,  chiselled  on  a 
corner-stone  of  this  new  meeting-house,  had  been  re 
moved  by  the  angry  hands  of  Gage's  soldiers  as  an  ex 
pression  of  contempt  for  the  merchant  who  had  turned 
against  the  king.  The  impression  in  the  front  wall, 
made  from  a  cannon-ball  from  the  Patriot  army,  was  none 
the  less  a  reminder  of  the  situation  than  if  it  had  been 
a  scar  made  by  the  enemy,  as  were  many  that  left  traces 
of  the  occupancy  of  this  new  and  costly  house  by  the 
British  army. 

It  was  but  a  few  days  after  the  return  of  John  Han 
cock  to  Boston  that  a  town-meeting  was  held,  Dec.  8, 
1777  ;  and  the  record  of  the  day  says  :  - 

The  inhabitants  having  brought  in  their  votes,  for  a  Modera 
tor  :  upon  sorting  them  it  appeared  that  the  Honble  John  Hancock, 
Esq.,  was  unanimously  chosen  Moderator  of  this  meeting. 

It  was  voted  at  this  meeting  that  the  thanks  of  the 
town  be  extended  to  Hancock  for  the  donation  of  one 
hundred  and  fifty  cords  of  wood  to  the  poor  of  the  town 
in  the  time  of  distress.  Seven  days  later,  at  another 


ELECTED    TO    TOWN  OFFICE  22$ 

town-meeting,    Hancock    received    the   entire   vote    for 
moderator. 

On  Jan.  20,  with  Hancock  in  the  chair,  began  the 
discussion  on  Articles  of  Confederation  and  perpetual 
union  between  the  United  States  of  America,  lately 
formed  and  proposed  by  the  Continental  Congress. 

On  March  5,  at  the  meeting  for  the  delivery  of  the 
massacre  oration,  Hancock  was  in  the  chair.  We  may 
imagine  that  his  heart  burned  within  him  as  he  presided 
in  Faneuil  Hall,  walked  to  Old  Brick  Meeting  House, 
and  there  listened  to  his  successor,  Jonathan  William 
Austin,  in  the  delivery  of  that  annual  oration.  He 
must  have  derived  satisfaction  from  the  revival  of  the 
confidence  of  his  townsmen,  when  he  took  the  chair  to 
preside  at  the  annual  election  of  officers  on  March  9. 
But  at  an  adjourned  meeting  on  the  following  day  he 
was  absent  because  of  a  more  important  duty  in  the 
House  of  Representatives.  On  the  2/th  instant  he  was 
again  on  duty,  and  no  time  seems  to  have  been  left 
when  he  could  attend  to  his  private  business. 

On  May  27  the  voters  assembled  for  the  choice  of 
seven  men  to  represent  the  town  in  the  General  Court. 
Of  the  seven  John  Hancock  received  the  -largest  vote, 
being  three  hundred  and  thirty-five. 

Hancock  is  now  missed  for  a  few  weeks  from  the 
town-meetings.  It  might  reasonably  be  supposed  that 
his  power  of  endurance  had  become  exhausted,  but  the 
following  letter  explains  the  cause  :  — 

YORK  TOWN,  June  23rd,  1778. 

MY  DEAREST  DOLLY  :  —  Mr.  Taylor  having  agreeably  to  his 
wish  been  Charged  with  some  Dispatches  for  our  Commissioners  in 
France,  sets  off  for  Boston  immediately,  &  to  Sail  from  thence  as 
Soon  as  the  Packett  is  ready,  by  him  I  embrace  the  oppor'y  of  writ 
ing  you,  altho'  I  wrote  you  Two  Letters  the  Day  before  yesterday,  & 


226  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

this  is  my  Seventh  Letter,  &  not  one  word  have  I  heard  from  you 
since  your  departure  from  Boston.  I  am  as  well  as  the  peculiar  scit- 
uation  of  this  place  will  admit,  but  I  can  by  no  means  in  Justice  to 
myself  continue  long  under  such  disagreeable  Circumstances,  I  mean 
in  point  of  Living,  the  mode  is  so  very  different  from  what  I  have 
been  always  accustom'd  to,  that  to  continue  it  long  would  prejudice 
my  health  exceedingly.  This  moment  the  Post  arriv'd,  and  to  my 
very  great  Surprise  &  Disappointment  not  a  single  line  from  Boston  ; 
I  am  not  much  dispos'd  to  Resent,  but  it  feels  exceedingly  hard  to 
be  slighted  and  neglect'd  by  those  from  whom  I  have  a  degree  of 
Right  to  expect  different  Conduct ;  I  would  have  hir'd  any  one  to 
have  sent  a  few  Lines  just  to  let  me  know  the  State  of  your  health, 
but  I  must  Endeavor  not  to  be  so  Anxious  £  be  as  easy  as  some 
others  seem  to  be.  I  will  expect  no  letters  nor  write  any,  £  then 
there  will  be  no  Disappointment ;  So  much  for  that.  To  be  seri 
ous,  I  shall  write  no  more  till  I  hear  from  you,  this  is  agreeable  to 
my  former  promise.  It  really  is  not  kind,  when  you  must  be  sensi 
ble  that  I  must  have  been  very  anxious  about  you  £  the  little  one. 
Devote  a  little  time  to  write  me,  it  will  please  me  much  to  hear  of 
you,  I  am  sure  you  are  dispos'd  to  oblige  me,  &  I  pray  I  may  not  be 
disappointed  in  my  opinion  of  your  Disposition. 

I  hope  this  will  meet  you  tolerably  Recover'd  from  your  late 
Confinement,  I  wish  to  hear  of  your  being  below  Stairs  &  able  to 
take  the  care  of  our  Dear  little  one.  I  am  much  concerned  about 
your  improving  the  fine  Season  in  Riding.  I  am  sorry  I  did  not 
take  hir'd  horses  &  leave  you  mine,  but  I  beg  you  spare  no  Cost  in 
Riding  for  the  Establishment  and  Continuance  of  your  health,  hire 
horses  whenever  you  are  dispos'd  to  Ride,  be  as  frugal  &  prudent  in 
other  matters  as  is  consistent  with  our  Scituation  ;  I  wish  to  know 
every  Occurrence  since  my  departure,  pray  be  particular  as  to  your 
health  in  your  Letters  &  give  me  an  exact  state  of  little  John.  Does 
Mrs.  Brackett  intend  continuing  with  you?  I  beg  she  may  at  least 
until  my  Return.  My  love  to  her,  pray  her  to  take  great  care  of  the 
little  fellow.  As  soon  as  the  City  of  Philada  is  cleansed,  I  judge 
Congress  will  remove  thither,  £  as  soon  as  we  have  got  over  the 
important  Business  now  before  Congress  I  shall  solicit  leave  to  Re 
turn  home,  as  it  will  not  be  necessary  for  so  many  of  our  Members 
to  be  here,  but  of  this  more  hereafter. 

As  I  have  wrote  so  many  Letters  &  see  no  Returns,  &  as  I  am 
called  to  attend  Congress,  I  must  Refer  you  to  Mr.  Taylor  for  every 
particular  relative  to  our  Scituation. 


MILITARY  SERVICE  22/ 

My  regards  to  Mr.  &  Mrs.  Bant,  my  Brother  &  Sister,  &  indeed 
to  all  Friends  as  if  nam'd.  Remember  me  to  Sprigs  and  Harry,  & 
all  in  the  Family. 

Do  let  me  have  frequent  Letters,  you  will  oblige  me  much.  My 
best  wishes  ever  attend  you  for  the  highest  Felicity,  &  I  am  with 
the  utmost  Affection  and  Love. 

Yours  for  ever, 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 

By  this  letter  it  appears  that  a  little  stranger  had  been 
welcomed  to  the  Hancock  mansion  during  these  busy 
months.  When  the  seal  of  baptism  was  placed  upon 
the  fair  brow,  his  name  was  declared  to  be — John 
George  Washington. 

On  Aug.  6  Hancock  was  back  in  Boston,  and  mode 
rator  of  the  meeting  when  action  was  taken  in  regard  to 
the  return  of  the  Loyalists. 

The  sentiment  expressed  by  the  voters  was  decidedly 
against  it ;  and  John  Hancock  was  made  chairman  of  a 
committee  to  consider* the  subject,  and  report. 

On  the  following  day  Hancock  set  out  on  different 
service.  He  was  appointed  on  Feb.  8,  by  the  General 
Court,  major-general  of  the  Massachusetts  Militia,  by 
virtue  of  which  he  now  started  at  the  head  of  the  Cadet 
Company,  with  other  forces,  to  go  to  headquarters,  to 
engage  in  an  enterprise  in  co-operation  with  the  fleet  of 
the  French  admiral,  the  Count  D'Estaing,  against  New 
port,1  R.I.  This  enterprise,  for  various  reasons,  was 
not  successful,  and  Hancock  was  back  in  Boston  in  time 
to  prevent  the  count  from  having  a  cool  reception ; 
which  because  of  misunderstanding  would  have  been  an 

1  When  Hancock  was  at  Newport  a  letter  was  received  from  Edmund 
Quincy  by  his  daughter,  Dorothy  Hancock,  in  which  the  grandfather  says, 
"  Pray  kiss  my  little  Washington  for  me.  I  hope  he  may  enjoy  the  fruits 
of  his  parents'  patriotism." 


228  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOA' 

unfortunate  circumstance,  and  would  have  dampened  the 
ardor  of  "  our  French  allies." 

At  this  time  efforts  were  being  made  in  the  town  to 
have  people  curtail  in  the  supplies  for  their  table,  be 
cause  of  the  scarcity  of  food  and  poverty  surrounding 
them,  and  it  was  unreasonable  to  suppose  that  the  town 
could  honor  herself  in  entertaining  these  guests  ;  but 
Hancock  entertained  about  forty  officers  of  the  fleet  at 
his  home  each  day.  One  morning  an  unexpected  com 
pany  arrived  at  the  mansion  to  partake  of  the  Colonel's 
viands,  when,  in  the  language  of  Madam  Hancock,  "  the 
Common  was  bedizened  with  lace."  The  cooks  were 
driven  to  despair;  and  the  exigency  was  only  met  by 
sending  the  servants  to  milk  the  cows  on  the  Common, 
regardless  of  their  owners. 

The  following  letter  was  doubtless  written  to  Mr. 
Purviance  at  Baltimore  at  the  time  of  the  reception  in 
honor  of  the  officers  of  the  Frendh  fleet  :  - 

[From  "  Family  Memorials,"  by  Edward  E.  Salisbury.] 

MONDAY  NOON,  30  Angst,  1779. 

DEAR  SIR  :  The  Philistines  are  coming  upon  me  on  Wednesday 
next  at  Dinner.  To  he  Serious,  the  Ambassador  &c.,  &c.,  £c.,  are 
to  Dine  with  me  on  Wednesday,  and  I  have  nothing  to  give  them, 
nor  from  the  present  prospect  of  our  Market  do  I  see  that  I  shall 
be  able  to  get  any  thing  in  Town ;  I  must  beg  the  favr  of  you  to 
Recommend  to  my  Man  Harry  where  he  can  get  some  Chickens, 
Ducks,  Geese,  Hams,  Partridges,  Mutton,  or  any  thing  that  will 
save  my  Reputation  in  a  Dinner,  and  by  all  means  some  Butter ; 
Be  so  good  as  to  help  me,  and  you  will  much  oblige  me;  is  there 
any  good  Mellons  or  Peaches,  or  any  good  fruit,  near  you?  Your 
advice  to  Harry  will  much  oblige  me ;  Excuse  me,  I  am  very  trou 
blesome  ;  Can  I  get  a  good  Turkey ;  I  walkd  in  Town  to-day ;  I 
dine  on  board  the  French  Frigate  to-morrow  ;  so  you  see  how  I 
have  Recovered. 

God  bless  you  ;  if  you  see  any  thing  good  at  Providence,  do  Buy 
it  for  me.  I  am  Your  Real  friend  JOHN  HANCOCK. 


HANCOCK  PAYS  BILLS   1-OR   BOSTON'S  JIOXOR       22Q 

The  banquet  given  in  Faneuil  Hall  to  about  five  hun 
dred  of  the  French  allies  was  to  the  credit  of  Boston, 
but  the  expense  was  borne  by  John  Hancock. 

On  Tuesday,  the  29th,  there  was  another  town-meet 
ing  ;  and  it  is  not  strange  that  Hancock  was  reported  as 
too  lame  to  attend. 


230  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XXI 

AGAIN  IN  GENERAL  COURT.  SEVERE  ON  THE  LOYALISTS.  IN 
CONVENTION  TO  FORM  THE  STATE  CONSTITUTION.  ELECTED 
THE  FIRST  GOVERNOR  UNDER  THE  CONSTITUTION.  REV. 
DR.  SAMUEL  COOPER  PREACHED  THE  FIRST  ELECTION  SER 
MON.  CALLS  FOR  FINANCIAL  CONSIDERATION  FROM  GOV 
ERNMENT.  HANCOCK  RESUMES  BUSINESS.  LETTERS  TO 
LONDON.  ORDERS  FOR  FAMILY  SUPPLIES. 

IN  the  weeks  and  months  that  followed,  John  Han 
cock  was  active  in  the  General  Court,  and  frequently 
appeared  in  the  chair  at  town-meeting.  Being  in  the  two 
positions,  he  knew  what  the  people  expected  of  him,  and 
could  exert  his  influence  in  carrying  out  their  requests. 

He  was  much  engaged  in  considering  applications  of 
absentees  to  be  allowed  to  return  to  the  town  and  Com 
monwealth. 

While  there  is  fresh  in  our  mind  the  general  forgive 
ness  exercised  towards  the  offenders  in  other  wars,  it  is 
hard  to  understand  the  acts  of  the  successful  party  of 
the  Revolution. 

They  record  themselves  as  follows  :  — 

Resolved — that  the  Inhabitants  of  this  Town  will  exert  them 
selves  to  the  utmost  in  supporting  the  Civil  Magistrate  in  the  exe 
cution  of  this  Law,  that  those  professed  Enemies  to  our  Rights  and 
Liberties,  the  first  fomenters  of  our  present  Troubles,  who  have  left 
this  Country  and  aided  the  British  Tyrant  in  his  worse  than  savage 
measures,  to  deprive  Americans  of  every  thing  that  ought  to  be  held 
dear  and  sacred  by  any  People,  may  not  return  and  enjoy  in  com 
mon,  the  fruits  of  what  our  immortal  Patriots,  have  toiPd  and  bled 
to  procure  us,  and  in  some  future  time  to  be  again  the  base  and 


FIRST  GOVERNOR    UNDER    THE   CONSTITUTION     231 

cursed  Instruments  of  British  Seducers,  in  involving  a  happy  Peo 
ple  in  confusion  and  bloodshed,  in  order  to  realize  the  reward,  and 
private  advantages  held  out  to  such  Traitors  by  the  enemies  of 
America. 

In  1780  Hancock  was  elected  a  member  of  the  con 
vention  that  framed  the  Constitution,  and  upon  its  adop 
tion  was  elected  governor.  He  took  the  oath  of  office 
in  the  Old  State  House ;  and  then  the  General  Court 
went  to  the  Old  Brick  Meeting  House,  and  listened  to 
the  "Election  Sermon."  It  was  fitting  that  it  should 
be  delivered  by  the  governor's  pastor,  Rev.  Dr.  Samuel 
Cooper. 

Hancock  continued  by  annual  re-elections  until  1785, 
and  after  an  interim  of  two  years  was  re-elected,  serving 
from  1787  till  his  death,  Oct.  8,  1793. 

This  is  a  period  replete  with  material  for  the  biogra 
pher,  and  a  time  when  Hancock  devoted  himself  largely 
to  public  business.  (For  Inaugural  see  Appendix  V.) 

Under  date  of  Sept.  24,  1781,  he  wrote  from  Phila 
delphia  to  Hon.  Robert  Morris,  financier,  saying  :  — 

Pray  my  friend,  when  will  be  the  properest  time  for  me  to  be 
considered  for  my  expenses,  while  President  of  Congress?  They 
wrote  me  on  the  subject  some  two  years  ago,  but  I  waived  troubling 
them,  knowing  the  delicacy  of  their  situation.  Indeed,  I  kept  no 
account  of  my  expenses  ;  nor  had  I  time  for  it,  as  you  well  know 
how  my  time  was  engrossed,  and  the  labors  and  fatigue  I  under 
went,  and  the  expenses  I  must  have  necessarily  incurred.  I  can 
speak  plain  to  you;  confident  I  am  that  fifteen  hundred  pounds 
sterling  would  not  amount  to  the  expenses  I  incurred  as  president. 

In  this  I  think  I  merit  consideration,  more  especially  as  grants 
have  been  made  to  all  my  successors. 

There  is  no  evidence  that  Hancock  ever  received  any 
compensation  for  his  services  in  the  important  position 
of  President  of  the  Continental  Congress. 


232  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

We  now  return  to  the  Letter-book,  from  which  we 
have  wandered  to  gather  up  some  of  the  missing  links 
with  which  to  make  a  connection,  and  make  clear  a 
letter  of  1783.  In  this  is  seen  an  attempt  at  a  renewal 
of  friendship  silent  for  nearly  ten  years.  In  the  midst 
of  his  public  cares  his  infirmities  have  increased,  until, 
at  times,  life  is  a  burden.  We  see  that  Gage's  soldiers 
did  not  spare  his  business-house,  although  they  did  not 
destroy  his  dwelling.  It  is  apparent  by  this  letter  that 
he  had  already  learned  the  truth  of  Swift's  utterance, 
"  Censure  is  the  tax  a  man  pays  to  the  public  for  being 
eminent."  The  letter  affords  an  intimation  of  the  sev 
ering  of  family  ties  by  the  departure  of  that  class  of 
people  derisively  called  Tories.  William  Bowes,  Han 
cock's  cousin  and  trusted  friend,  left  the  country  in 
debt  to  his  faithful  friend  and  creditor  ;  but  friendship 
did  not  incline  the  merchant  to  forgiveness. 

Mr.  Hoskins,  to  whom  the  reader  is  introduced,  was 
a  business-man  of  Boston,  employed  to  adjust  the  many 


accounts  brought  suddenly  to  a  close  at  the  opening  of 
the  war.  He  was  a  Mason  in  St.  Andrews,  and  also 
the  Grand  Lodge  ;  and  as  secretary  of  that  sent  out  the 
notices  for  the  funeral  of  General  Warren  (says  Eleanor 
Hoskins  Waitt,  a  lineal  descendant). 

Hancock  proudly  announces  to  his  friend  Scott  that 
he  has  a  little  boy.  But  while  we  read  his  cheerful 
words,  we  can  but  glance  forward  to  the  winter  of  1787, 


LETTERS    TO   LONDON  233 

when  that  fond  hope  was  blasted  by  the  sudden  death 
of  the  boy,  caused  by  an  accident  while  skating. 

BOSTON,  Nov.  14,  1783. 

DEAR  SCOTT:  I  have  been  favored  with  your  letter  accompanied 
with  an  Hamper  of  Porter  &  Two  cheeses,  for  which  I  thank  you 
very  kindly.  They  were  excellent.  I  should  have  much  sooner 
wrote  you  had  not  ill  health  £  my  public  associations  prevented,  but, 
thank  God,  I  am  now  much  recruited.  I  am  rebuilding  my  store 
upon  the  Dock  which  the  Brittons  burned  to  ashes  when  they  were 
in  possession  of  Boston.  I  shall  compleat  it  early  in  the  spring 
when  I  purpose  to  enter  the  Commercial  Line  upon  the  same  plan 
that  I  have  pursued. 

1  have  for  ten  years  past  devoted  myself  to  the  concern  of  the 
Public.  I  have  not  the  vanity  to  think  that  I  have  been  of  very  ex 
tensive  service  in  our  late  unhappy  contest,  but  one  thing  I  can 
truly  Boast,  I  sat  out  upon  honest  Principles  &  strictly  adhered  to 
them  to  the  close  of  the  contest,  and  this  I  defy  malice  itself  to  con 
trovert.  I  have  lost  many  thousand  sterlg,  but,  thank  God,  my 
country  is  saved  and  by  the  smile  of  Heaven  I  am  a  free  &  Inde 
pendent  man,  and  now  my  friend  I  can  pleasantly  congratulate  you 
on  the  return  of  Peace  which  gives  a  countenance  to  retire  from 
Public  Life  &  enjoy  the  sweets  of  Calm,  Domestic  Retirement  & 
Pursue  Business  merely  for  my  own  amusement. 

I  intended  that  Mr.  Hoskins,  a  gentleman  Conversant  in  Busi 
ness  &  who  for  eighteen  months  past  has  been  engaged  in  the  set 
tlement  of  my  former  Books,  should  have  taken  passage  with  Mr. 
Foster,  but  I  could  not  get  ready.  I  purpose  him  to  go  by  the  next 
opportunity  which  will  be  in  about  three  weeks.  He  will  take  my 
Invoices,  and  I  mean  him  to  examine  accts.  in  England  that  have 
been  settled,  for  I  rather  think  I  shall  be  a  gainer.  Certain  I  am 
many  commissions  will  be  discovered  that  ought  to  have  been  car 
ried  to  my  credit.  I  mean  by  Mr.  Hoskins  to  include  you  in  gen 
eral  power  of  attorney.  The  ship  Thames,  that  I  was  3-16  Invested 
in,  I  have  not  heard  a  single  line  about.  I  have  a  Bill  of  ^500  that 
I  drew  for  her  last  cargo  that  has  never  been  paid  &  many  other 
Bills  that  have  not  been  paid,  now  laying  with  Barnards,  Harrison 
&  Co.,  &  the  late  Mr.  Haley,  that  as  Mr.  Hoskins  will  be  a  stranger 
in  London,  I  must  desire  your  assistance  to  him  for  which  you  shall 
be  satisfied.  I  mean  one  part  of  my  plan  of  Business  to  be  one 
ship  &  one  only,  provided  you  can  meet  with  one  to  your  mind  in 


234  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

the  River  £  you  to  take  the  Command  of  her.  I  had  rather  you 
would  take  a  concern  in  her.  I  mean  this  vessel  to  bring  out  my 
goods  in  the  spring  &  to  be  kept  running,  if  this  is  agreeable  to 
you.  I  wish  you  would  be  upon  the  lookout  till  Hoskins  arrives 
and  you  may  pass  upon  one  if  you  see  it.  I  would  not  have  one 
above  130  or  140  tons.  I  however  leave  it  to  you.  I  am  at  a  loss 
who  Hoskins  should  apply  to  in  London.  I  have  a  great  respect 
for  Mr.  Harrison,  tho1  we  differ  in  Principles.  Does  he  carry  on 
Business?  I  have  no  favors  to  ask,  but  I  confess  I  should  like  you 
should  drop  a  hint  to  him  on  the  subject.  If  any  vessel  should  be 
sailing  for  this  place  after  you  receive  this,  do  give  me  your  opinion. 

I  shall  get  Mr.  Hoskins  away  as  speedily  as  possible.  &  the  in 
closed  Letter  to  Mrs.  Haley,  I  request  you  will  be  kind  enough  to 
deliver  with  your  own  hand,  with  my  best  Requests  to  wait  till  she 
reads  it.  Having  heard  that  she  proposes  a  visit  to  America  in  the 
Spring  I  have  in  my  Letter,  Solicited  her  acceptance  of  apartments 
in  my  house,  during  her  pleasure.  You  can  inform  her  of  my  Situ 
ation ;  perhaps  it  is  nearly  as  pleasant  as  any  in  town.  Do  urge 
her  acceptance,  she  shall  be  as  unceremonious  as  she  pleases,  you 
know  me.  I  have  Carriages  &  Servants  at  her  service,  in  my  power. 
Perhaps  if  you  should  succeed  in  a  vessel  she  might  approve  of  the 
opportunity  of  taking  passage  with  you.  I  have  mentioned  to  Mrs. 
Haley  that  I  have  requested  you  to  ask  her  opinion  &  advice  as  to  a 
few  things  I  have  wrote  you  for  family  use,  &  enclosed  you  have  a 
memo.,  which  after  taking  every  necessary  advice,  I  could  wish  you 
would  put  in  hand  ;  do  consult  Mrs.  Scott  &  Mr.  William  Foster  as 
to  the  Post  Chariot.  I  have  not  time  to  write  Mr.  Eliot,  but  will  by 
Mr.  Hoskins,  as  I  am  now  busily  employed  in  settling  up  my  pub 
lic  concerns.  I  am  determined  in  the  course  of  this  month  to  re 
sign  my  command  of  this  Commonwealth  &  return  to  private  life, 
after  the  many  fatigues  I  have  gone  thro'.  Do  ask  Mr.  Samuel 
Eliot  if  he  does  not  really  approve  my  Determination,  as  I  leave  the 
Government  under  the  public  Conviction  that  a  much  better  man  be 
my  successor  &  I  am  really  worn  out  with  public  business. 

I  shall  defer  what  I  have  farther  to  say  until  Mr.  Hoskins1  de 
parture,  by  him  I  shall  send  money  or  Bills  ;  give  me  the  earliest 
notice  of  your  intentions,  whether  you  consent  to  go  into  the  old 
line  or  not,  because  my  plans  will  be  materially  effected.  Write  me 
by  various  opportunities.  I  shall  make  Mr.  Harrison  the  offer  of 
my  Business.  It  is  at  his  pleasure  to  accept  or  reject.  My  pay  will 
be  acceptable  to  others  if  not  to  him.  I  do  not  mean  to  court,  but 


LETTERS    TO   LONDON  235 

I  have  a  friendship  for  him,  &  if  it  is  agreeable  to  him  it  will  be  to 
me. 

I  mean  even  to  close  my  acct.  once  a  year  &  when  I  cannot  do 
that,  I  will  quit.  I  wish  to  lay  aside  all  diversity  of  sentiment  for 
with  me  that  circumstance,  neither  in  my  public  Line  nor  private 
situation  has  occasioned  a  Breach  of  friendship. 

God  bless  you,  my  good  friend,  my  regard  to  your  worthy  family, 
in  which  Mrs.  Hancock  joins  me.  I  have  a  fine  little  boy,  pray 
what  has  become  of  that  ungrateful,  ungentlemanly  base  fellow  of  a 
William  Bowes?  There  is  no  Balm  in  Gilead  for  him.  I  would  not 
thus  write  of  any  one  else,  &  I  pray  God  however  to  forgive  him.  I 
wish  him  no  ill  in  the  other  world.  I  shall  have  my  Recompense 
for  what  he  Rob'd  me  of,  out  of  what  he  left  here.  I  am 
Your  real  friend 

J.  H. 

By  the  enclosed  letter  to  Mrs.  Haley  it  is  learned  that 
George  Haley,  Hancock's  agent  at  the  opening  of  the 
war,  has  died,  and  his  widow  has  forwarded  the  unset 
tled  account. 

November  14,  1783. 
To  MRS.  MARY  HALEY  — 
London. 

My  public  associations  added  to  my  ill  state  of  health,  have  until 
the  present  moment  prevented  my  replying  to  your  very  polite  let 
ter  of  the  i gth  April  last,  which  I  have  had  the  Honor  to  Receive. 
I  feel  myself  greatly  obliged  to  your  generous  &  truly  noble  ex 
pression,  and  do  with  a  sincere  £  warm  heart  congratulate  you  upon 
the  happy  return  of  Peace.  In  your  letter  was  inclosed  my  acct. 
with  the  late  George  Haley  Esq.  The  final  settlement  of  the  acct. 
I  shall  direct  Mr.  Hoskins  upon  his  arrival  to  wait  upon  you  to  Ef 
fect  ;  he  is  a  gentleman  who  has  been  some  time  engaged  in  the 
settlement  of  my  affairs,  previous  to  the  Introduction  of  our  un 
happy  Contest,  &  I  fully  intended  to  have  been  ready  for  his  depar 
ture  in  this  Ship,  but  fear  shall  be  obliged  to  defer  it  until  the  next, 
which  will  be  soon,  by  whom  I  shall  write  you  again.  In  conse 
quence  of  your  letter,  I  have  drawn  upon  you  the  following  bills, 
which  you  will  please  to  honor.  .  .  . 

I  have  RecM.  great  satisfaction  upon  perusing  a  Letter  from  you 
that  Judge  Wendall  was  so  obliging  as  to  communicate  to  me,  as  I 
found  it  was  your  intention  to  visit  America  upon  the  return  of  the 


236  JOHN  HANCOCK,    HIS  BOOK 

pleasant  season.  I  do  assure  you  —  Madam,  I  shall  be  happy  to 
receive  you  here,  and  give  me  leave,  with  the  utmost  sincerity  to  re 
quest  that  you  will  be  so  obliging,  as  upon  your  arrival  here,  to  per 
mit  me  to  conduct  you  to  my  Home,  where  you  may  rely  you  shall 
meet  from  Mrs.  Hancock  £  myself  an  unceremonious  and  cheerful 
reception,  and  where  your  abode,  during  your  pleasure  shall  be 
made  as  agreeable  as  any  in  Town,  of  which  Capt.  Scott  or  any 
gentleman  from  this  way  can  inform  you,  and  I  kindly  hope  you  will 
gratify  me  in  my  Request,  at  least  until  you  meet  with  a  more  agree 
ably  accommodated  scituation.  I  inclose  this  to  Capt.  Scott,  whom 
I  have  requested  to  deliver  it  to  you.  I  have  wrote  to  Scott  upon 
the  subject  of  purchasing  a  vessel  for  me,  and  he  to  take  the  com 
mand,  as  I  propose  again,  engaging  in  Business  &  wish  to  have 
Scott  in  a  running  vessel  &  perhaps  if  Scott  succeeds  that  opportu 
nity  might  not  be  unfavorable  to  your  wishes  as  to  a  passage,  he  is 
really  an  excellent  Ship  master  &  a  gentleman  I  have  a  great  regard 
for.  I  have  taken  the  freedom  to  ask  Scott  to  apply  to  you  for 
your  opinion  &  advice  in  a  few  articles  I  want  for  my  family  use.  I 
know  your  goodness  will  pardon  the  Liberty. 

It  will  afford  me  at  all  times  much  pleasure   to  have  it  in  my 
power  to  render  you  or  your  Connections  any  Service,  and  I  beg  you 
will  believe  me  with  Sentiments  of  Real  Regard  £  Esteem  — 
Dear  Madam 

Your  much  obed't.  &   humble  serv't. 

J.  H. 


To  CAPT.  JAMES  SCOTT:  — 

Memo,  of  Sundry  articles  that  Mr.  Hancock  is  in  want  of  for  his 
own  use  of  service  £  which  he  wishes  Capt.  Scott  would  put  in 
hand  after  advising  with  Mrs.  Haley  and  Mrs.  Harrison  £  Mrs. 
Sam'1  Eliot.  In  case  Mr.  Hoskins  should  not  be  arrived  timely  for 


ORDFRS   FOR    FAMILY  SUPPLIES  2$? 

the  things  to  be  prepared  so  as  Mr.  HancocK  may  receive  them  in 
the  spring.  A  very  neat  &  light  Post  Chaise  or  Chariot.  Elegantly 
neat,  not  made  expensive  by  external  Tawdry  ornaments.  The 
coachman's  seat  to  unship  and  ship,  with  a  Pole  &  fills,  so  as  occa 
sionally  to  have  the  servants  on  the  seat,  or  to  ride  Postilion  ;  the 
box  inside  of  the  carriage  to  draw  out,  a  good  Lock  &  key  to  it,  a 
Lamp  at  each  side  of  the  carriage.  A  handsome  travelling  trunk, 
made  exactly  to  fit,  with  Leather  straps  to  fasten  it,  a  strong  Lock 
&  key.  To  be  Lined  with  Crimson  Velvet,  if  not  thought  too  heavy. 
However  Mr.  Hancock  submits  to  better  taste  than  his  own  in  Mrs. 
Haley's  and  others.  Capt.  Scott  will  find  Inclosed  Mr.  Hancock's 
arms,  which  he  would  have  neatly  Introduced  on  the  carriage,  with 
the  crest  on  the  other  part  of  the  carriage  &  the  motto  subjoined. 
The  ground  paint  work  of  the  carriage  to  be  stone  yellow,  that  being 
the  color  all  his  carriages  bear.  In  short  Mr.  Hancock  wants  to 
have  executed  a  very  neat  little  carriage.  Elegant  not  fine.  A  set 
of  Spare  Glasses,  a  set  of  spare  springs.  Blinds  set  with  glass.  A 
set  of  Best  Pewter,  if  Mr.  Ellis  is  living,  I  beg  he  may  make  them. 
6  Doz.  very  best  Pewter  Plates,  with  their  proportion  of  proper 
sizes,  oval  or  long  dishes  for  Saturday's  Salt  Fish.  You  know  how  it 
used  to  be.  My  crest  to  be  engraved  in  each  Dish  and  Plate.  Mr. 
Hancock  thinks  Capt.  Scott,  Mr.  Harrison  £  Mr.  Samuel  Eliot 
must  have  a  perfect  recollection  of  his  large  Parlor. 

The  furniture  has  stood  from  the  finishing  of  the  Room  to  the 
present  moment,  but  is  now  much  worn  &  stands  in  need  of  a 
Recruit,  at  least  Mr.  Hancock's  son  will  want  it,  he  therefore  In 
closes  you  the  dimensions  of  the  Room,  windows,  &c.  £  requests 
Capt.  Scott  will  consult  with  Mrs.  Haley,  as  to  the  Kind  of  Furni 
ture  that  is  most  fashionable.  I  would  not  have  it  Yellow  as  my 
chamber  over  that  room  is  furnished  with  that  Color.  I  think  a 
silk  £  worsted  furniture  will  be  good  enough.  The  window  curtains 
to  be  made  to  draw  up.  The  window  cushions  of  the  same,  and 
twelve  neat  stuff  back  chairs  to  be  covered  with  the  same  &  a 
sophia  of  the  same.  I  wish  the  room  to  be  tolerably  decent,  in  its 
furniture,  but  not  extravagantly  so.  I  leave  it  with  my  friends  to 
determine.  You  have  also  inclosed  the  dimensions  of  two  Bed 
Chambers  for  each  of  which  I  want  Wilton  carpets  ;  do  let  them  be 
neat.  The  British  Officers  who  possessed  my  house  totally  defaced 
&  Ruined  all  my  carpets.  I  must  submit.  I  wish  to  have  a  hand 
some  silver  tea  urn,  whether  wrought  or  unwrought.  I  beg  the  favor 
of  Mrs.  Haley's  advice. 


238  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


CHAPTER    XXII 

HANCOCK  MANSION  AND  GARDENS.  NOTED  GUESTS  ENTER 
TAINED.  HOUSEHOLD  SUPPLIES.  MRS.  JOHN  HANCOCK'S 
APPAREL.  HANCOCK  COACH.  GOVERNOR  JOHN  HANCOCK 
PAYS  THE  DEP/F  TO  NATURE.  FUNERAL  OF  THE  FIRST 
GOVERNOR  OF  THE  STATE  OF  MASSACHUSETTS.  MRS. 
DOROTHY  HANCOCK  MARRIES  CAPT.  JAMES  SCOTT.  MA 
DAME  DOROTHY  SCOTT  AND  GENERAL  LAFAYETTE. 

THE  supplies  ordered  from  England,  in  connection 
with  the  concluding  letter  to  Capt.  Scott,  naturally  call 
the  reader's  attention  to  the  Hancock  mansion  ;  and 
without  pausing  to  lament  because  of  its  destruction,  we 
content  ourselves  with  what  others  have  written  of  the 
house  and  contents.  (Appendix  VI.) 

The  building  was  of  stone,  built  in  the  substantial 
manner  favored  by  the  wealthier  Bostonians.  The 
walls  were  massive ;  a  balcony  projected  over  the  en 
trance-door,  upon  which  opened  a  large  window  of  the 
second  story.  The  corners  and  window  openings  were 
ornamented  with  Braintree  stone,  and  the  tiled  roof  was 
surmounted  by  a  balustrade.  Dormer  windows  jutted 
out  from  the  roof,  from  which  might  be  obtained  a  beau 
tiful  and  extensive  view.  A  low  stone  wall,  on  which 
was  placed  a  light  wooden  fence,  enclosed  the  grounds. 
The  gate-posts  were  also  of  stone.  A  paved  walk  and 
a  dozen  stone  steps  conducted  to  the  mansion,  situated 
on  rising  ground  at  a  little  distance  back  from  the  street. 
Before  the  door  was  a  wide  stone  slab,  worn  by  the  feet 


HANCOCK  MANSION  AND   GARDENS  239 

of  the  distinguished  owner  and  his  illustrious  guests. 
A  hall  of  wood,  sixty  feet  in  length,  designed  for  festive 
occasions,  was  joined  to  the  northern  wing.  At  the 
right  of  the  entrance  to  the  governor's  mansion  was  the 
reception-room,  with  furniture  of  bird's-eye  maple  cov 
ered  with  rich  damask.  Out  of  this  opened  the  dining- 
hall  referred  to,  in  which  Hancock  gave  the  famous 
breakfast  to  Admiral  D'Estaing  and  his  officers.  Oppo 
site  this  was  a  smaller  apartment,  the  usual  dining-room 
of  the  family.  Next  adjoining  was  the  china-room  and 
offices,  with  coach-house  and  barn  behind.  At  the  left 
of  the  entrance  was  a  second  saloon,  or  family  drawing- 
room,  the  walls  covered  with  crimson  paper.  The  upper 
and  lower  halls  were  hung  with  pictures  of  game,  hunt 
ing-scenes,  and  other  subjects.  Most  of  the  furniture, 
wall-papers,  and  draperies  were  imported  from  England 
by  Thomas  Hancock.  Passing  through  the  hall,  a  flight 
of  steps  led  through  the  garden  to  a  small  summer- 
house  near  Mt.  Vernon  Street.  The  grounds  were  laid 
out  in  ornamental  flower-beds,  bordered  with  box.  There 
were  box-trees  of  large  size,  with  a  great  variety  of 
fruit-trees  ;  among  these  were  several  immense  mulberry- 
trees.  Thomas  Hancock,  with  others  of  his  time,  was 
interested  in  the  culture  of  the  silk-worm.  The  trees 
and  shrubs  of  his  garden  were  imported  by  him,  and 
frequently  replenished  by  John  Hancock,  whose  first 
order  for  garden-seeds  and  trees  by  Marshall  was  on 
Nov.  17,  1764. 

To  this  attractive  home  John  Hancock  conducted  his 
bride,  Dorothy  Quincy,  when  returning  from  Philadel 
phia.  The  former  mistress  of  the  mansion,  Madame 
Lydia  Hancock,  who  left  it  in  1775,  died  the  following 
year  ;  and  we  doubt  not  her  successor  was  the  one  whom 


240  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

she  had  selected  for  the  place.1  Mrs.  John  Hancock 
proved  herself  well  fitted  for  the  position,  and  through 
her  native  grace  and  dignity  performed  well  her  part 
at  the  reception  of  D'Estaing,  Lafayette,  Washington, 
Brissot,  Lords  Stanley  and  Wortley,  and  other  noted 
guests. 

We  have  seen  by  the  Letter-book  that  John  Hancock 
enjoyed  good  table  furnishings  ;  he  took  peculiar  pride 
in  the  gift  of  a  table-cloth  and  napkins,  "  the  most  gen 
teel  in  the  country."  The  six  dozen  pewter  plates  bear 
ing  the  family  crest  were  much  to  his  liking  ;  and  it  was 
the  duty  of  his  household  to  see  that  this  pewter  was 
kept  at  the  highest  point  of  brightness,  and  used  every 
day,  to  the  exclusion  of  the  valuable  India  cbina-set  also 
owned  by  him.  He  preferred  to  use  the  pewter,  because 
as  he  said,  "  the  contents  of  the  plates  were  not  so 
apt  to  slide  off,"  and  the  use  of  them  caused  no  clatter 
in  contact  with  knives  and  forks.  He  had  a  large  quan 
tity  of  silver,  much  of  which  bore  the  tower  stamp  of 
England.  He  had  four  dozen  silver  forks,  matched  with 

1  Mrs.  Lydia  Hancock  left  her  home  during  the  siege,  and  never  re 
turned  to  enjoy  it.  The  following  embodies  the  facts,  read  on  a  tomb 
stone  in  the  old  burying-ground  at  Fair  field,  Conn. :  — 

THIS    STONE    ERECTED 

BY  THADDEUS  BURR  AND  EUNICE  BURR 

TO  THE  MEMORY  OF  THEIR  DEAR  FRIEND 

MRS.  LYDIA  HANCOCK, 
RELICT  of  the  HONBLE  THOS.  HANCOCK,  ESQR. 

OF  BOSTON, 

whose  Remains  lie  here  interred,  having  retired  to  this  town  from 

the  calamities  of  war,  during  the  Blockade  of  her  native 

city  in  1775.     Just  on  her  return  to  the  reenjoy- 

ment  of  an  ample  fortune. 

ON  APRIL  15"*  A.D.  1776 

She  was  seized  with  apoplexy  and  closed  a  life  of 

unaffected  piety,  universal  benevolence 

and  extensive  charity. 


MA'S.  JOHN  HANCOCK'S  APPAREL  24! 

the  same  number  of  silver  spoons,  also  several  tankards 
of  different  sizes  ;  one,  holding  a  gallon  or  more,  he 
devoted  exclusively  to  hot  punch.  This  tankard  he 
called  Solomon  Townsend,  in  honor  of  a  friend.  He 
also  had  a  large  silver  porter-cup,  holding  two  quarts  or 
more,  with  two  massive  handles,  intended  probably  to 
be  passed  from  guest  to  guest,  that  each  might  quaff  in 
turn  from  the  same  cup.  Much  of  the  silver  and  china 
was  ornamented  with  the  Hancock  coat -of -arms.  His 
mother-of-pearl  whist  counters  were  also  similarly  en 
graved.  Even  the  best  furnished  dining-table  of  these 
days  would  not  surpass  Hancock's  when  glistening  with 
four  elaborate  silver  chafing-dishes,  four  silver  butter 
boats,  asparagus-tongs,  and  six  heavy  silver  candlesticks, 
with  snuffers  and  tray  to  match.  Silver  finger-bowls 
and  salvers  of  the  same  material  were  at  command.  The 
viands  were  in  keeping  with  the  table-ware  ;  and  to  the 
hot  punch  may  be  attributed  much  of  the  suffering  which 
racked  the  body  of  not  only  John  Hancock,  but  his  hon 
ored  uncle  Thomas,  the  founder  of  the  fortune  so  freely 
used  for  others. 

Hancock  kept  the  annual  spring  Fast  on  codfish.  He 
had  a  peculiar  ambition  to  secure  the  first  salmon  of  the 
season,  for  which  he  paid  a  guinea.  The  salt-fish  din 
ners  served  every  Saturday  on  the  pewter  platters  were 
peculiar  to  the  house,  and  free  to  all  who  saw  fit  to 
come  and  partake.  We  have  seen  that  when  in  Phila 
delphia  Hancock  would  have  his  Boston  codfish,  and 
counted  it  an  honor  to  contribute  some  to  his  enter 
tainer  at  Baltimore. 

The  Letter-book  has  afforded  us  hints  of  the  costume 
of  the  family,  particularly  of  the  master  of  the  house  ; 
but  nothing  was  denied  Mrs.  Hancock,  yet  she  refused 


242 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   JUS  BOOK 


a  dress  from  the  piece  of  crimson  velvet  of  which  his 
coat  and  vest  were  made,  it  being  too  heavy  for  her 
slight  figure.  His  white  silk  embroidered  waistcoat 
constrasted  well  with  the  scarlet  garment,  while  the 

silk  stockings  and  handkerchiefs 
from  London  added  to  the  im 
maculate  dress  of  the  merchant- 
prince. 

Mrs.  Hancock's  wedding-fan 
from  Paris  was  of  white  kid, 
painted  with  appropriate  de 
signs  ;  but  it  did  not  create  the 
envy  of  the  Boston  belles,  for 
its  first  appearance  was  in  the 
Connecticut  home  where  the 
nuptials  were  celebrated.  We 
may  well  imagine  that  Boston 
afforded  nothing  rich  enough 
for  the  babes,  Lydia  and  John, 
when  they  made  their  advent 
to  the  family.  The  christening- 
robe  from  England  was  of  embroidered  India  muslin, 
with  stomacher  and  trimmings  of  thread  lace.  Mrs. 
Hancock  sent  at  the  same  time  for  a  hat  of  lavender- 
colored  silk,  trimmed  with  flowers,  and  a  mantilla  of 
muslin  lined  with  silk  to  match  the  hat.  She  gave  six 
dollars  a  yard  for  a  piece  of  muslin  in  India  before  it  was 
cut  from  the  loom.  Fragments  of  these  fabrics,  with 
the  tailor's  scraps  of  the  scarlet  coat,  are  still  treasured 
by  Mrs.  William  Wales,  a  grandniece  of  Mrs.  Hancock. 
Viewed  from  the  present  standpoint  of  society,  the 
Hancocks  would  not  be  alone  in  their  elegant  apparel  ; 
and  the  fine  dinners  of  the  house,  whether  of  venison 


SCARLET  VELVET  COAT  AND 

EMBROIDERED   WAISTCOAT. 

(Seen   in  Old  State  House.) 


HANCQCK  PAYS    THE   J1KHT  TO   NATURE        243 

or  codfish,  served  on  pewter  or  silver,  were  but  a  little 
in  advance  of  modern  Boston. 

The  post-chaise,  or  chariot,  with  its  appointments  so 
carefully  ordered  from  London,  which  caused  the  many 
to  halt  as  it  rolled  through  the  narrow  streets  of  Boston 
town,  is  more  than  matched  by  many  carriages  that  roll 
daily  over  the  very  ground  where  Hancock  reigned  su 
preme  when  this  republic  had  its  birth.  All  this  splen 
dor  and  luxury  could  not  disguise  the  fact  that  John 
Hancock  was  a  debtor  to  nature;  in  fact,  it  hastened 
the  settlement  of  the  account,  which  occurred  on  Oct. 
8,  1793. 

[From  "  Lives  of  American  Merchants."] 

To  him,  among  others,  we  owe  our  independence,  our  liberty, 
our  prosperity,  and  our  national  greatness,  and  the  high  rank  we 
hold  among  the  nations  of  the  earth.  We  are  indebted  to  him  for 
the  aid  which  in  our  Revolutionary  struggle  was  derived  from  the 
arms  and  influence  of  France;  for  it  was  his  generosity  that  fur 
nished  the  means,  when  our  country  was  utterly  destitute  of  money 
or  credit,  to  fit  out  the  Alliance  frigate  to  carry  Colonel  Laurens, 
our  first  accredited  diplomatic  agent,  to  the  court  of  the  French 
king,  through  whose  influence  and  exertions  during  the  darkest 
period  of  our  Revolutionary  history,  the  co-operation  of  France 
was  secured,  and  her  assistance  extended  to  help  us  break  the 
chains  of  that  political  slavery  with  which  we  were  bound. 

The  funeral  service  was  attended  with  pomp  and 
ceremony,  as  may  be  inferred  from  the  announcement 
in  regard  to  the  order  of  procession  which  is  given  on 
the  following  page. 

After  the  funeral  demonstration  of  that  autumn  day, 
1793,  it  seems  strange  that  a  full  century  should  elapse 
before  the  State  of  Massachusetts  should  pay  her  debt 
of  gratitude  by  placing  a  fitting  memorial  at  the  grave 
of  her  first  governor. 


244  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


ORDER  OF  PROCESSION 

FOR    THE 

jFuneral  of  tlje  late  ©o&crnor 


FUNERAL  ESCORT 
Under  the  Command  of  Brigadier-General  Hull. 


OFFICERS  OF  THE  MILITIA  with  side  arms. 
JUSTICES  OF  THE  PEACE. 

JUDGES  OF  PROBATE. 
JUSTICES  OF  THE  COURT  OF  COMMON  PLEAS. 

ATTORNEY  GENERAL  AND  TREASURER. 

JUSTICES  OF  THE  SUPREME  JUDICIAL  COURT. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  HOUSE  OF  REPRESENTATIVES. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  SENATE. 
SHERIFF  OF  SUFFOLK  WITH  HIS  WAND. 

MEMBERS  OF  THE  COUNCIL. 

Quartermaster.  His  HONOR  Secretary. 

Adjutant-General.  THE  LIEUTENANT-GOVERNOR. 


A  id-de-camp 

The  pall 

W 

C/}  • 

six  of  the 

A  id-de-camp 

to  the 

supported 

Q 

5 

oldest 

to  the 

deceased. 

by 

o 
u 

Counsellors. 

deceased. 

RELATIONS 

VICE  PRESIDENT  AND  MEMBERS  OF  CONGRESS. 

JUDGES  AND  SECRETARIES  OF  THE  UNITED  STATES. 

GENTLEMEN  HERETOFORE  COUNSELLORS  AND  SENATORS  OF 

MASSACHUSETTS. 

FOREIGN  MINISTERS  AND  CONSULS. 

THE  PRESIDENT  AND  CORPORATION. 

THE  PROFESSORS  AND  OTHER  INSTRUCTORS  OF 

HARVARD  COLLEGE. 

SELECTMEN  AND  TOWN  CLERK. 

OVERSEERS  OF  THE  POOR  AND  TOWN  TREASURER. 

MINISTERS  OF  THE  GOSPEL. 
MEMBERS  OF  THE  ANCIENT  AND  HONOURABLE 

ARTILLERY  COMPANY. 

COMMITTEE  OF  BRATTLE  STREET  CHURCH  OF  WHICH 
THE  DECEASED  WAS  A  MEMBER. 
OTHER  CITIZENS  AND  STRANGERS. 


FUNERAL  OF  THE  FIKS'I'  COl'EKXOK     245 

ORDER  OF  MARCH. 

The  Procession  will  move  from  the  Mansion  House  of  the  late 
Governor  Hancock,  across  the  Common  and  down  Frog  Lane  to 
Liberty  Pole,  through  the  Main  Street,  and  round  the  State  House, 
up  Court  Street  —  and  from  thence  to  the  place  of  interrment. 
Colonel  Tyler  will  superintend  the  forming  of  the  Procession  of 
Officers  which  precede  the  Corpse,  and  Colonel  Waters  that  of  the 
other  citizens  who  follow. 

It  is  desired  that  the  Procession  may  move  four  a  breast  when 
practicable. 

October  14,  1793. 

It  detracts  from  the  honor  displayed  by  this  pageant 
to  learn  that  the  funeral  charges  were  paid  from  the 
estate  of  the  deceased. 

On  Feb.  3,  1894,  the  Legislature  of  Massachusetts 
passed  the  following  :  - 

Resolved,  that  there  be  allowed  and  paid  out  of  the  treasury  of 
the  Commonwealth  a  sum  not  exceeding  three  thousand  dollars, 
to  be  expended  under  the  direction  of  the  Governor  and  Council, 
for  the  purpose  of  erecting  a  suitable  memorial  over  the  grave  of 
Gov.  John  Hancock  in  the  Granary  burying-ground  in  Boston. 

The  work  having  been  completed,  there  was  a  public 
service  of  dedication  on  Sept.  10,  1896.  There  being 
no  direct  descendant  of  John  Hancock,  the  honor  of  un 
veiling  the  monument  was  conferred  upon  a  great-grand- 
niece,  Miss  Mary  Elizabeth  Wood,  who  was  conducted 
for  the  purpose  to  the  Hancock  tomb  by  Governor 
Roger  Wolcott.  The  exercises  were  concluded  in  Park- 
street  Church,  because  of  the  falling  rain  of  that  after 
noon.  Governor  Wolcott  said  :  — 

It  has  long  been  a  matter  of  comment,  and  possibly  of  regret 
to  the  Commonwealth  of  Massachusetts,  that  the  grave  of  her  first 
governor,  a  man  who  played  so  large  a  part  in  the  Revolutionary 
period,  remained  in  the  heart  of  the  principal  city  of  the  Common 
wealth  unmarked  by  any  enduring  monument. 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


HANCOCK    MONUMENT    IN    GRANARY    BURYING    GROUND. 
(Erected   by  the  State  of  Massachusetts  to  her  first  Governor.) 

This  monument  will  be  one  of  those  spots  to  which 
the  feet  of  pilgrims  will  be  directed.  It  will  be  one  of  the 
memories  which  those  who  visit  us  from  other  States  or 
other  countries  will  bear  away  with  them  from  historic 
Boston  and  historic  Massachusetts,  and  as  the  hurrying 
crowd  passes  by  the  sidewalk,  I  hope  that  it  will  speak 
eloquently  for  all  years  to  come  of  patriotic  and  loyal  ser 
vice  to  the  Commonwealth.  —  GOVERNOR  WOLCOTT. 

Ill  accepting  the  monument  in  behalf  of  the  Com 
monwealth,  the  Governor  further  said  : 

"  As  we  look  back  upon  that  period  of  revolution,  to  the  events 
that  led  up  to  it,  there  is  one  figure,  among  others,  that  stands  with 
peculiar  significance  to  the  public  mind.  That  figure  is  John  Han 
cock.  A  man  of  dignity  of  presence,  fond  of  elaborate  ceremonial, 


J/A'.V.    //.-LYCOCA'  MARK1I-.S   CATT.   SCOTT.  247 

elegant  in  his  attire,  courtly  in  his  manner,  a  man  of  education  and 
great  wealth  for  that  time,  and  a  man  who  threw  himself  heart  and 
soul  into  the  patriotic  duties  of  the  hour.  1  think  we  especially 
connect  his  name  and  memory  with  three  acts.  In  the  first  place, 
we  remember  that  in  the  proclamation  of  amnesty  there  were  two 
names  exceptecl ;  one  was  that  of  John  Hancock,  the  other  that  of 
Samuel  Adams.  We  remember  that  when  Paul  Revere  rode  out 
into  Middlesex  County  to  warn  the  farmers  of  the  approach  of 
British  troops,  John  Hancock  and  Samuel  Adams  were  slumbering 
quietly  in  the  little  village  of  Lexington,  and  that  their  capture  was 
accounted  as  important  to  the  British  cause  as  the  capture  or  de 
struction  of  the  ammunition  which  they  were  sent  out  to  seize. 

We  especially  remember  John  Hancock  again  as  President  of 
the  Continental  Congress,  and  as  the  first  to  sign,  in  his  bold,  fine 
signature,  his  name  to  that  immortal  declaration,  in  which  those 
who  signed  it  pledged  their  lives,  their  fortunes,  and  their  sacred 
honor  to  the  cause  of  liberty. 

As  it  was  through  the  Letter-book  that  the  reader 
was  introduced  to  the  sailing-master  James  Scott,  he 
has  a  right  to  an  answer  to  the  natural  inquiry,  What 
of  the  family  friend  whose  faithful  service  contributed 
so  much  to  the  advantage  of  John  Hancork,  and  to 
whom  he  penned  his  last  recorded  letter  of  the  volume  ? 

Bereft  of  his  companion,  James  Scott  found  a  sympa 
thizer  in  the  high-bred,  courtly  woman  who,  while  in  her 
prime,  had  been  left  a  widow;  and  on  July  28,  1796, 
they  were  joined  in  marriage  by  Rev.  Peter  Thacher, 
D.D.,  pastor  of  Brattle-street  Church.  She  outlived  her 
second  husband  many  years,  resided  for  a  time  at  Ports 
mouth,  N.  H.,  and  later  on  Federal  Street  in  Boston. 
As  Madam  Scott  she  delighted  the  people  by  her  unfail 
ing  memory  and  brilliant  powers  of  conversation.  Hos 
pitality  was  a  characteristic  of  hers  at  her  Federal-street 
home.  Her  table  was  always  laid  with  an  extra  plate 
for  any  one  who  might  call,  and  four-score  years  did 


248 


JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 


not  rob  her  of  her  native  dignity.  Says  Mrs.  William 
Wales,  "  I  often  ran  into  Aunt  Dorothy's  from  school 
at  noon  intermission,  when  the  extra  plate  was  at  my 

service,  and  the  vener 
able  woman  ready  to 
greet  me  with  a  smile." 
In  her  advanced  years 
Madam  Scott  received 
a  call  from  Lafayette 
when  in  this  country. 
Those  who  witnessed 
the  hearty  interview 
spoke  of  it  with  ad 
miration.  The  once 
youthful  chevalier  and 
the  unrivalled  belle 
met  as  if  only  a  sum 
mer  had  passed  since 
they  had  enjoyed  so 
cial  interviews  during  the  perils  of  the  Revolution. 

An  incident  confusing  to  the  genealogist  is  found  in 
the  Scott  family  register.  Betsey,  daughter  of  James 
Scott  and  Mary  Richardson,  marries  John  Hancock, 
nephew  of  the  patriot,  son  of  Ebenezer  and  Elizabeth 
Lowell. 


MADAM    SCOTT.      (Mrs.  John   Hancock.) 


FINANCIAL   RETROSPECT  249 


CHAPTER    XXIII 

FINANCIAL    RETROSPECT 

NEARLY  a  century  and  a  half  had  passed  since  the 
settlement  of  Plymouth,  but  there  was  not  a  bank  in  the 
country,  and  trade  was  little  removed  from  its  primitive 
form  of  barter  in  the  rural  districts  ;  and  at  the  seaport 
of  Boston  there  was  a  great  scarcity  of  money. 

Generation  after  generation  had  come  upon  the  stage, 
each  living  very  much  as  that  which  had  preceded  it. 
There  were  busy  brains  and  willing  hands,  forests  of 
valuable  timber,  boundless  stretches  of  fertile  soil,  seas 
teeming  with  fish,  and  mines  of  fabulous  riches.  The 
people  realized  keenly  that  the  development  of  the  natu 
ral  resources  of  their  country  was  hampered,  and  its 
industrial  growth  retarded,  by  the  lack  of  available  funds. 
Doubtful  currency  schemes  found  ready  acceptance,  and 
caused  much  suffering.  The  raw  material  was  here, 
but  the  capital  to  turn  it  to  account  was  not  at  hand. 
While  it  may  be  difficult  to  appreciate  the  situation 
from  the  standpoint  of  our  advanced  methods,  somewhat 
of  the  same  conditions  exist  in  the  newer  sections  of 
our  country,  where  may  be  detected  a  similar  unrest  and 
complaint. 

Even  men  of  consequence,  to  use  the  language  of 
Hancock,  were  compelled,  through  the  scarcity  of 
money,  to  resort  to  expedients  not  altogether  pleasant. 
Hancock  frequently  apologized  to  Messrs.  Barnards  & 


250  JOILV  IIAXCOCK,    JUS  BOOK' 

Harrison  for  drawing  on  them  at  the  time  of  making 
his  shipments.  In  order  to  be  able  to  pay  for  goods  on 
this  side,  which  he  had  purchased  and  was  about  to  ship, 
he  was  frequently  compelled  to  draw  immediately,  thus 
giving  his  London  agent  little  or  no  time  to  dispose  of 
the  goods  before  he  was  called  upon  for  the  money. 

To-day  this  difficulty  might  be  obviated  by  drawing 
time  drafts,  payable  two  or  three  months  hence,  which 
would  be  discounted  at  some  bank,  and  when  nearly 
due  forwarded  for  collection. 

As  many  of  the  battles  of  the  Revolutionary  period 
were  financial  rather  than  sanguinary,  the  financier  of 
the  present  can  but  realize  that  he  was  represented  in 
that  complex  chapter  of  our  American  history.  There 
was  no  safe  deposit  vault  in  Provincial  Boston ;  hence 
Hancock,  Bromfield,  Rotch,  and  their  associates,  in 
scarlet  cloaks,  bag-wigs,  and  cocked  hats,  were  obliged 
to  deposit  their  guineas  in  the  wrought-iron  chest  with 
massive  hinge  and  clumsy  lock.  As  the  old-time  mer 
chants  paced  up  and  down  King  Street,  or  gathered  in 
Hancock's  counting-room  to  discuss  the  prospect  of  the 
market,  their  inseparable  pocket  companions  were  the 
gold  snuff-box  and  the  key  to  the  iron  locker. 

The  Hancock  repository  was  sufficient  for  all  demands 
until  D'Estaing  arrived  with  the  sacks  of  coin  from 
France  to  relieve  our  distressed  country,  when  the  only 
safe  place  for  King  Louis's  "  crowns  "  was  the  home  of 
the  deputy  paymaster,  Ebenezer  Hancock,  with  a  guard 
of  soldiers  surrounding  it. 

These  richly  attired  merchants  were  the  bankers  of 
the  time,  and  to  them  and  their  strongholds  men  of  less 
"consequence"  resorted  for  financial  accommodation. 
In  December,  1767,  Oliver  Wendell  comes  to  John  Han- 


FINANCIAL   RETROSPECT  2$l 

cock,  and  purchases  goods  for  his  family  by  giving  in 
exchange  his  personal  note  for  one  year.  Then  comes 
Madam  Warren  with  her  pension  certificate,  which  Han 
cock  readily  takes,  and  in  exchange  for  it  passes  out 
guineas  from  his  iron  locker.  He  then  forwards  the 
certificate  to  London  by  his  next  ship  for  collection. 

Money  was  lent  to  the  Province  treasury  for  periods 
ranging  from  one  to  three  years,  Hancock  acting  as  fis 
cal  agent  for  his  foreign  correspondents  in  negotiating 
such  loans.  There  were  investments  in  mortgages  on 
real  estate.  In  this  business  also  Hancock  was  helpful 
to  his  clients.  The  system  of  credits,  which  we  are  in 
clined  to  regard  as  a  modern  institution,  we  find  to  have 
been  highly  developed.  Thus  John  Hancock  kept  a 
regular  account  with  the  house  of  Barnards  &  Har 
rison  of  London.  When  goods  were  shipped  abroad, 
we  find  the  letter  of  advice  accompanying  the  consign 
ment,  if  it  were  to  this  firm,  simply  requested  that  the 
"  neat  "  proceeds  be  credited  to  the  Hancock  account. 
If  the  goods  were  consigned  to  some  other  firm,  they 
were  accompanied  by  a  letter  of  advice  stating  that  a 
draft  had  been  drawn  upon  the  house  to  which  they 
were  consigned,  through  the  house  of  Barnards  & 
Harrison. 

Very  little  coin  changed  hands  between  America  and 
England.  When  Hancock  ordered  goods  from  a  port 
other  than  London,  the  purchasing-agent  was  directed 
to  collect  of  Barnards  &  Harrison  of  London,  as  wit- 
nesseth  the  case  of  the  wine  shipped  from  Madeira  in 
the  famous  Liberty. 

When  it  was  desired  to  transfer  property  from  Amer 
ica  to  England,  as  in  the  settlement  of  the  estate  of  a 
government  official  on  this  side,  Hancock,  as  adminis- 


252  JOHN  HANCOCK,   HIS  BOOK 

trator,  or  under  power  of  attorney,  sold  the  property, 
and  purchased  bills  of  exchange  on  London,  which  were 
then  forwarded.  General  Gage's  exchequer  bills  were 
used  for  this  purpose. 

Hancock  bought  exchange,  that  is,  cashed  or  gave 
credit  for  drafts  on  London  to  those  who  fortunately 
had  funds  in  England. 

The  young  officers  of  the  king's  army  were  frequent 
callers  on  John  Hancock,  who  accommodated  them  when 
they  were  in  need  of  funds  from  home.  As  the  English 
visitor  of  to-day  steps  into  the  office  of  Messrs.  Brown 
Brothers,  or  Kidder,  Peabody,  and  Co.,  with  his  letter  of 
credit,  or  draft  on  England,  so  his  predecessor  called  at 
Hancock's  in  Provincial  days. 

John  Hancock  and  other  far-seeing  merchants  of  the 
time  detected  the  impending  ruin  of  the  country  when 
the  Stamp  Act  was  passed.  It  was  aimed  directly  at 
commerce,  in  which  lay  the  key  to  the  situation  ;  and  it 
was  to  them  and  their  correspondents  in  London  that 
more  credit  was  due  for  the  repeal  of  that  Act  than  was 
due  to  those  who  made  the  recorded  speeches. 

This  required  the  most  positive  decision,  which  the 
letters  show  Hancock  to  have  exercised ;  and  in  the 
quiet  of  his  counting-room  he  penned  his  most  fervent 
appeals  to  the  merchants  abroad  to  use  their  influence 
upon  Parliament.  His  actions  were  those  of  one  who 
believed,  "The  pen  is  mightier  than  the  sword."  While 
he  often  resorted  to  strong  language,  he  never  lost  all 
hope  in  the  power  of  appeal  until  hostilities  were  actu 
ally  begun  ;  and  then  he  was  ready  to  resort  to  arms. 
He  would  have  made  his  way  from  the  parsonage  to 
Lexington  Common,  on  the  morning  of  April  19,  i/75> 
and  shown  his  ability  to  handle  the  firelock,  had  he  not 


FINANCIAL   RETROSPECT  253 

been  prevented  by  his  associates,  who  believed  he  had 
a  more  important  mission. 

The  opening  of  the  war  closed  the  books  of  these 
merchants.  Hancock  had  many  running  accounts  with 
foreign  merchants,  but  they  could  not  be  settled  until 
peace  was  restored ;  and  it  was  nearly  ten  years  before 
Hancock  undertook  to  adjust  his  accounts.  Then  he 
was  so  burdened  with  public  service  that  he  employed 
William  Hoskins  to  act  for  him,  both  in  this  country 
and  abroad. 

There  had  been  great  changes  during  the  period  of 
the  war,  and  he  was  honest  in  his  statement  that  he  had 
lost  thousands  of  pounds  sterling  ;  but  he  did  not  regret 
it,  as  long  as  his  country  had  been  saved  from  a  tyrant's 
domination. 

The  foregoing  are  some  of  the  obscure  facts  revealed 
by  the  Letter-book,  which,  viewed  with  an  unprejudiced 
eye,  must  convince  the  reader  that  the  patriot  merchants 
of  the  Revolutionary  period  fought  as  truly  as  the  men 
of  military  affairs ;  and  their  names  should  be  honored 
to-day  with  a  place  upon  the  immortal  scroll  of  the  heroes 
of  the  Revolution. 


APPENDIX    I 


THE  following  history  of  the  Longman  Publishing  House 
was  obtained  from  London  after  the  body  of  this  volume 
had  passed  through  the  press. 

THOMAS  LONGMAN,  the  founder  of  the  firm,  was  born  in  Bristol 
in  1699.  On  the  ninth  day  of  June,  1716,  eight  years  after  the 
death  of  his  father,  Ezekiel  Longman,  Thomas  Longman  was  ap 
prenticed  for  the  term  of  seven  years  to  John  Osborn,  stationer  and 
bookseller,  "At  the  Oxford  Arms,"  Lombard  Street,  London. 

The  firm  of  Osborn  is  known  to  have  been  highly  respected  and 
prosperous,  though  but  little  other  information  is  obtainable.  One 
of  their  earliest  books,  it  may  be  well  noted,  was  a  volume  of 
"I'siilms  and  Hymns  and  Spiritual  Songs  of  tJie  Old  and  New 
Testament  for  the  use,  edification,  and  comfort  of  the  Saints  in  pub- 
lick  and  private,  especially  in  New  England,"  indicating,  perhaps, 
one  of  the  earliest  connections  in  the  bookselling  way  with  the 
American  Colonies. 

JOHN  OSBORN  had  two  children,  —  a  son,  John,  and  a  daughter, 
Mary,  whom  Thomas  Longman  married  in  1723.  In  Paternoster 
Row,  at  this  time,  had  for  some  years  been  established  the  business 
of  one  William  Taylor,  stationer  and  bookseller,  soon  to  become 
famous  as  the  publisher  of  Robinson  Crusoe ;  and  over  his  door  hung 
the  "Sign  of  the  Ship.1'  In  the  next  house  was  the  shop  of  the 
brothers  Churchill  at  the  "  Sign  of  the  Black  Swan.11 

TAYLOR  purchased  the  latter  business  in  1719,  and  the  consolida 
tion  was  known  as  "  The  Sign  of  the  Ship  and  Black  Swan  in 
Paternoster  Row."  Upon  the  death  of  Mr.  Taylor,  in  August,  1724, 
\V.  Innys  and  John  Osborn,  "  as  executors  of  W.  Taylor,  on  their 
part,  sold  to  Thomas  Longman,  on  his  part,  all  of  the  household 
goods  and  books,  bound  and  in  sheets,  of  Mr.  Taylor  in  Paternoster 
Row.1'  Thomas  Longman  thus  became  owner  of  the  business, 
which  has  remained  in  the  hands  of  his  family  from  that  date.  In 

255 


256  APPENDIX    I 

1725  the  firms  of  Osborn  and  Longman  were  united;  and  in  1726 
they  as  partners  published  their  first  book,  the  first  edition  of  Sher 
lock*  s  Voyages.  This  was  soon  followed  by  many  works  of  educa 
tional  and  scientific  interest.  The  death  of  the  Osborns,  father  and 
son,  soon  followed.  In  1754  Thomas  Longman  took  into  partner 
ship  his  namesake,  Thomas,  the  son  of  his  brother  Henry;  and  for 
many  years  afterward  the  imprint  was  "  Printed  for  T.  &  T.  Long 
man.1'  Thomas  Longman  (ist)  died  June  18,  1755. 

THOMAS  LONGMAN  (2d)  was  twenty-four  years  of  age  when  he 
became  a  partner  of  his  uncle,  and  for  forty-three  years  he  carried 
on  the  business.  Under  his  management  many  valuable  copyrights 
were  secured,  and  the  business  increased  until  it  included  important 
connections  with  the  Colonies  and  America. 

Thomas  Longman  (2d)  had  three  sons,  one  of  whom,  T.  Norton 
Longman,  born  in  1771,  became  in  1792  partner  with  his  father. 
In  1792  Mr.  Thomas  Brown,  whose  father  had  been  for  some  years 
in  the  house,  was  admitted  to  partnership,  and  Mr.  Owen  Rees  en 
tered  the  firm,  in  which  for  forty  years  he  continued  in  active  inter 
est.  Thomas  Longman  (2d)  died  in  1797.  The  years  from  1797 
to  the  death  of  Thomas  Norton  Longman,  in  1842,  saw  the  publi 
cation  by  the  house  of  Lindley  Murray's  Grammar,  Wordsworth's, 
Southey's,  Coleridge's,  and  Moore's  poems,  the  reconstructed  Cham- 
bers's  Cyclopaedia,  called  Rees's  New  Cyclopaedia,  for  many  years 
the  standard,  and  of  several  of  the  Waverley  Novels.  Partners  at 
this  time  were  Messrs.  Orme,  Hurst,  and  later  B.  E.  Green.  In 
1839  ^r-  Thomas  Longman  (b.  1804)  and  Mr.  William  Longman 
(b.  1813),  sons  of  Thomas  Norton  Longman,  entered  the  firm,  and 
directed  the  business  until  the  death  of  the  latter  in  1877  and  of  the 
former  in  1879.  It  was  during  Mr.  Thomas  Longman's  manage 
ment  that  Macaulay's  works  were  published. 

The  present  members  of  the  firm  in  London  are  Messrs.  Thomas 
Norton  Longman  and  George  Longman  (sons  of  Mr.  Thomas  Long 
man),  and  Messrs.  Charles  J.  Longman  and  Hubert  H.  Longman 
(sons  of  Mr.  William  Longman),  and  Mr.  W.  E.  Green. 


APPENDIX    II 


EXTRACTS  FROM   HANCOCK'S    MASSACRE    ORATION,   MARCH, 

'774- 

I  HAVE,  from  the  earliest  recollections  of  youth,  rejoiced 
in  the  felicity  of  my  fellow-men  ;  and  have  considered  it  as 
the  indispensable  duty  of  every  member  of  society  to  pro 
mote,  as  far  as  in  him  lies,  the  prosperity  of  every  individual 
of  his  species,  but  more  especially  of  the  community  to  which 
he  belongs;  and  also,  as  a  faithful  subject  of  the  state,  to 
use  his  utmost  endeavours  to  detect  and  defeat  every  traitor 
ous  plot  which  its  enemies  may  devise  for  its  destruction. 

Security  to  the  persons  and  property  of  the  governed,  is 
so  obviously  the  design  and  end  of  civil  government,  that  to 
attempt  a  logical  demonstration  of  it,  would  be  like  burning 
tapers  at  noon  day,  to  assist  the  sun  in  enlightening  the  world; 
and  it  cannot  be  either  virtuous  or  honourable  to  attempt  to 
support  institutions  of  which  this  is  not-the  great  and  princi 
pal  basis. 

Some  boast  of  being  friends  of  government;  I  am  a  friend 
to  righteous  government,  to  a  government  founded  upon  the 
principles  of  reason  and  justice;  but  I  glory  in  publicly  avow 
ing  my  eternal  enmity  to  tyranny;  and  here  suffer  me  to  ask 
what  tenderness,  what  regard  have  the  rulers  of  Great  Brit 
ain  manifested  in  their  late  transactions,  for  the  security  of 
the  persons  or  property  of  the  inhabitants  of  these  colonies  ? 
or  rather,  what  have  they  omitted  doing  to  destroy  that  se 
curity  ?  They  have  usurped  the  right  of  ruling  us,  in  all 
cases  whatever,  by  arbitrary  laws;  they  have  exercised  this 
pretended  right  by  imposing  a  tax  upon  us  without  our  con- 

257 


258  APPENDIX   // 

sent ;  and  lest  we  should  show  some  reluctance  at  parting 
with  our  property,  their  fleets  and  armies  are  sent  to  enforce 
their  mad  and  tyrannical  pretensions.  The  town  of  Boston, 
ever  faithful  to  the  British  crown,  has  been  invested  by  a 
British  fleet ;  the  troops  of  George  the  Third  have  crossed 
the  Atlantic,  not  to  engage  an  enemy,  but  to  assist  a  band 
of  traitors  in  trampling  on  the  rights  and  liberties  of  his  most 
loyal  subjects ;  those  rights  and  liberties  which,  as  a  father, 
he  ought  ever  to  regard,  and  as  a  king,  he  is  bound,  in  hon 
our,  to  defend  from  violation,  even  at  the  risk  of  his  own  life. 

These  troops,  upon  their  first  arrival,  took  possession  of 
our  senate  house,  pointed  their  cannon  against  the  judgment 
hall,  and  even  continued  them  there  whilst  the  supreme 
court  of  the  province  was  actually  sitting  to  decide  upon  the 
lives  and  fortunes  of  the  king's  subjects. 

Our  streets  nightly  resounded  with  the  noise  of  riot  and 
debauchery ;  our  peaceful  citizens  were  hourly  exposed  to 
shameful  insult,  and  often  felt  the  effects  of  their  violence 
and  outrage. 

But  this  was  not  all;  as  though  they  thought  it  not  enough 
to  violate  our  civil  rights,  they  endeavoured  to  deprive  us  of 
the  enjoyment  of  our  religious  privileges ;  to  vitiate  our  mor 
als,  and  thereby  render  us  deserving  of  destruction.  Hence 
the  rude  din  of  arms  which  broke  in  upon  your  solemn  devo 
tions  in  your  temples,  on  that  day  hallowed  by  Heaven ;  and 
set  apart  by  God  himself  for  his  peculiar  worship.  Hence, 
impious  oaths  and  blasphemies,  so  often  tortured  your  un 
accustomed  ear.  Hence,  all  the  arts  which  idleness  and 
luxury  could  invent,  were  used,  to  betray  our  youth  of  one  sex 
into  extravagance  and  effeminacy,  and  of  the  other  to  in 
famy  and  ruin.  And  did  they  not  succeed  but  too  well  ? 
did  not  our  infants  almost  learn  to  lisp  out  curses  before 
they  knew  their  horrid  import  ?  did  not  our  youth  forget 
they  were  Americans ;  and  regardless  of  the  admonitions  of 
the  wise  and  aged,  copy  with  a  servile  imitation  the  frivol 
ity  and  vices  of  their  tyrants  ?  and  must  I  be  compelled  to 
acknowledge  that  even  the  noblest,  fairest  part  of  all  the 


APPENDIX    11  259 

lower  creation  did  not  entirely  escape  the  cursed  snare  ?  or 
why  have  I  seen  an  honest  father  clothed  with  shame,  or 
why  a  virtuous  mother  drowned  in  tears  ? 

But  I  forbear,  and  come  reluctantly  to  the  transactions  of 
that  dismal  night,  when  in  such  quick  succession  we  felt  the 
extremes  of  grief,  astonishment,  and  rage ;  when  heaven  in 
anger,  for  a  dreadful  moment,  suffered  hell  to  take  the  reins  ; 
when  Satan  with  his  chosen  band  opened  the  sluices  of  New 
England's  blood,  and  sacrilegiously  polluted  our  land  with 
the  dead  bodies  of  her  guiltless  sons. 

Let  this  sad  tale  of  death  never  be  told  without  a  tear  ;  let 
not  the  heaving  bosom  cease  to  burn  with  a  manly  indigna 
tion  at  the  relation  of  it  through  the  long  tracts  of  future 
time ;  let  every  parent  tell  the  shameful  story  to  listening 
children,  till  tears  of  pity  glisten  in  their  eyes,  or  boiling 
passion  shakes  their  tender  frames. 

Dark  and  designing  knaves,  murderers,  parricides  !  how 
dare  you  tread  upon  the  earth  which  has  drunk  the  blood  of 
slaughtered  innocence  shed  by  your  hands  ?  how  dare  you 
breathe  this  air  which  wafted  to  the  ear  of  Heaven  the  oroans 

O 

of  those  who  fell  a  sacrifice  to  your  accursed  ambition  ? 
But  if  the  labouring  earth  doth  not  expand  her  jaws  ;  if  the 
air  you  breathe  is  not  commissioned  to  be  the  minister  of 
death  ;  yet,  hear  it,  and  tremble  ;  the  eye  of  Heaven  pene 
trates  the  darkest  chambers  of  the  soul ;  and  you,  though 
screened  from  human  observation,  must  be  arraigned,  must 
lift  up  your  hands,  red  with  the  blood  of  those  whose  death 
you  have  procured,  at  the  tremendous  bar  of  God. 

But  I  gladly  quit  the  theme  of  death  —  I  would  not 
dwell  too  long  upon  the  horrid  effects  which  have  already 
followed  from  quartering  regular  troops  in  this  town  ;  let  our 
misfortunes  instruct  posterity  to  guard  against  these  evils. 
Standing  armies  are  sometimes  (I  would  by  no  means  say 
generally,  much  less  universally)  composed  of  persons  who. 
have  rendered  themselves  unfit  to  live  in  civil  society;  who 
are  equally  indifferent  to  the  glory  of  a  George  or  a  Louis ; 
who,  for  the  addition  of  one  penny  a  day  to  their  wages, 


260  APPENDIX  II 

would  desert  from  the  Christian  Cross,  and  fight  under  the 
Crescent  of  the  Turkish  Sultan ;  from  such  men  as  these, 
what  has  not  a  state  to  fear  ?  with  such  as  these,  usurping 
Caesar  passed  the  Rubicon  ;  with  such  as  these,  he  humbled 
mighty  Rome  and  forced  the  mistress  of  the  world  to  own  a 
master  in  a  traitor.  These  are  the  men  whom  sceptred  rob 
bers  now  employ  to  frustrate  the  designs  of  God,  and  render 
vain  the  bounties  which  his  gracious  hand  pours  indiscrimi 
nately  upon  his  creatures. 


APPENDIX    III 


THE  last  proclamation  for  the  annual  Thanksgiving  which 
invoked  a  blessing  upon  the  king  was  issued  in  1773,  by 
Thomas  Hutchinson,  Esq.,  governor. 

Governor  Hutchinson  was  recalled.  Thomas  Gage  came 
out  with  his  appointment  as  royal  governor  of  the  excited 
Province  in  the  year  1774.  He  issued  repeated  proclama 
tions  of  a  special  nature,  such  as  to  dissolve  the  General 
Court ;  against  the  "  Solemn  League  and  Covenant ; "  to  "  en 
courage  piety  and  virtue  ; "  to  prevent  the  meeting  of  the 
General  Court ;  "and  concerning  the  proceedings  of  the  Pro 
vincial  Congress." 

To  each  of  these  is  appended  the  time-honored  legend  of 
the  loyal  subjects  of  the  crown,  "God  save  the  king." 

But  it  was  useless  for  this  unfortunate  representative  of 
vanishing  royalty  to  issue  a  proclamation  to  the  patriot  peo 
ple  for  the  annual  Thanksgiving,  as  his  predecessors  had 
been  wont  to  do ;  in  fact,  the  "  rebellious  clergy  "  of  Boston 
had  banded  themselves  together  in  a  resolve  not  to  read 
any  proclamation  that  Governor  Gage  might  issue. 

It  was  the  first  Provincial  Congress,  assembled  at  Cam 
bridge,  which  took  this,  as  other  matters,  in  hand ;  and  it 
issued  a  proclamation  for  the  1774  Thanksgiving. 

This  broadside  is  notable  for  its  simplicity,  but  yet  it 
breathes  the  spirit  of  the  times. 

"MASSACHUSETTS  BAY  —  A  proclamation  for  public  Thanksgiving: 
From  a  consideration  of  the  continuance  of  the  gospel  among  us,  and  the 
smiles  of  divine  Providence  upon  us,  with  regard  to  the  season  of  the  year 
and  the  general  health  which  has  been  enjoyed,  and  in  particular  from 
consideration  of  the  union  which  so  remarkably  prevails,  not  only  in  this 

26l 


262  APPENDIX    JII 

province,  but  throughout  the  continent,  at  this  alarming  crisis,  it  is  resolved 
as  the  sense  of  this  congress,  that  it  is  highly  proper  that  a  day  of  public 
Thanksgiving  should  be  observed,  etc.  .  .  . 

That  God  may  be  pleased  to  continue  to  us  the  blessings  we  enjoy, 
and  remove  the  tokens  of  his  displeasure  by  causing  harmony  and  union 
to  be  restored  between  Great  Britain  and  these  colonies,  that  we  may  re 
joice  in  the  smiles  of  our  sovereign,  and  in  possession  of  those  privileges 
which  have  been  transmitted  to  us,  and  have  the  hopeful  prospect  that  they 
shall  be  handed  down  entire  to  posterity  under  the  Protestant  succession 
of  the  illustrious  house  of  Hanover." 

Done  at  Council  Chamber  in  Cambridge  tJiis  Twenty-Second  dav  of 
October  •,  One  Thousand  Seven  Hundred  and  Seventy-  J:our. 

JOHN    HANCOCK, 

President. 

The  third  Provincial  Congress,  when  in  session  at  Water- 
town,  and  busy  in  making  arrangements  for  supplying  the 
army,  appointing  and  commissioning  officers,  issuing  or 
ders  for  paper  currency,  etc.,  paused  to  proclaim  the  annual 
Thanksgiving.  In  the  midst  of  manifold  burdens  and  dis 
tress  they  found  something  to  be  thankful  for. 

This  proclamation  concluded  as  follows  :  — 


nil  Scrfoilc  ILabour  is  jForbi'titJrn  on  tfjc  Sai' 

Given  under  our  hands  at  the  Council  Chamber  in  \\fatertount  Ihe  Fourth 
Day  of  November  in  the  Year  of  our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven  Hun 
dred  and  Seventy-five. 

BY  THEIR  HONORS  COMMAND, 

PEREZ  MORTON,  Defy.  Secry. 

JAMES  OTIS,  JOSEPH  PALMER,  JEDDIAH  FOSTER, 

CALEB  GUSHING,          JABEZ  FISHER,  ELDAD  TAYLOR, 

JOHN  WHITCOMB,        BENJ'A.  WHITE,  MICHAEL  FARLEY, 

JAMES  PRESCOTT,        WALTER  SPOONER,        SAMUEL  HOLTON, 
BENJ'A.  LINCOLN,       JOSEPH  GERRISON,         MOSES  GILL. 

GOD   fave  the   PEOPLE. 

Printed  in  the  Neiv  England  Chronicle  or  Essex  Gazette  from  Thursday, 

Nov.  Q*k,  to  Thursday,  A\n>.  /6'k,  /77J. 
Printed  by  Samuel  and  Ebenezer  Hall  at  their  office  in  Sloughton  Hall, 

Harvard  College. 


///  263 

When  the  broadside  reached  the  hands  of  the  ministers, 
the  majority  were  delighted,  but  to  others  it  brought  sorrow 
and  contempt.  Some  Loyalists  in  pulpits  refused  to  read  it; 
and  others  read  it,  but  added  their  sentiment  in  the  time- 
honored  cry,  "  God  save  the  king,"  despite  the  protests  of 
the  congregations. 

Here  we  see  the  revolution!  In  1773,  "God  save  the 
king;"  in  1774,  still  praying  for  "the  smiles  of  their  sov 
ereign,"  but  ominously  omitting  the  traditional  prayer  for 
his  salvation  ;  in  1775,  "  God  save  the  people  !  " 

The  die  was  cast,  and  the  bridges  burned  behind  the  pa 
triots  who  boldly  uttered  this  ringing  cry  for  the  people. 

The  proclamation  next  year,  1776,  bore  this  simple  head 
ing  :  — 

Proclamation 

of 

THAN  KSGI  VING 

We  have  thought  fit,  with  the  advice  of  the  Council  and  at  the  desire 
of  the  House  of  Representatives,  to  appoint  and  hereby  do  appoint 
Thursday,  the  I2th  day  of  December,  to  be  kept  as  a  day  of  public  thanks 
giving  and  prayer  throughout  the  STATE,  calling  upon  ministers  and 
people  of  every  denomination  then  to  convene  and  with  grateful  devotion 
to  offer  solemn  praises  to  the  all  gracious  author  of  every  good,  for  the 
various  invaluable  benefits  conferred  on  and  continued  to  this  State  in 
particular  and  to  the  UNITED  STATES  IN  GENERAL,  especially  that 
whilst  British  avarice  openly  claims  and. British  tyranny  vigorously  endeav 
ors  to  wrest  from  us  the  free  exercise  of  those  rights  which  Heaven  alike 
bestowed  on  all  mankind,  and  without  which  human  life  is  less  a  favor  than 
the  grave,  has  given  these  Slates  a  just  sense  of  their  worth  and  of  the 
impossibility  of  resigning  those  rights  to  man,  without  the  guilt  of  rebellion 
against  God,  treason  to  the  present  and  treachery  to  all  future  generations. 

Given  at  the  Council  Chamber  in  Boston ,  on  This  Sixteenth  Day  of  No 
vember  in  the  Year  of  Our  Lord  One  Thousand  Seven  Httndred  and 
Seventy- Six. 

The  above  was  signed  by  the  major  part  of  the  council, 


264 


APPENDIX  III 


as  in  1775  ;  but  there  was  no  concluding  prayer  attached  to 
this  extremely  simple  document. 

In  1780  the  Thanksgiving  proclamation  jirst  presented 
the  symbolic  Indian  in  the  coat-of-arms  of  the  Common 
wealth,  now  so  familiar  to  all. 


Commonwealth 


of  Maflachufetts 


By  His  EXCELLENCY 

JOHN     HANCOCK,     Efquire. 

Governour  and  Commander-in-chief  in  and  over  the  Commonwealth  of 
MASSACHUSETTS. 

A  Proclamation, 

For  a  DAY  of  PUBLIC  THANKSGIVING. 

The  concluding  part   of    this   1780   proclamation  was  as 
follows  :  — 
C I  VEX  at  the  COUNCIL  CHAMBER,  in  BOSTON  this  Eight  Day  of 

November,  in  the  year  of  our  LORD,  One  Thoufand  feven  Hundred 

and  Eighty  and  in  the  Fifth   Year  of  the  INDEPENDENCE  of  the 

United  States  of  AMERICA. 

JOHN    HANCOCK. 

7>V  his  Excellency' 's  Command, 

With  the  Advice  and  Confent  of  the  Council, 
JOHN    AVERY,    jun.,  Secretary. 

GOD  fare  the  PEOPLE    OF    THE  UNITED   STATES. 

It  was  not  until  1785  that  the  proclamation  as  we  know 
it  in  these  days  was  evolved,  and  "God  save  the  Common 
wealth  of  Massachusetts"  first  rang  forth  from  the  State 
House  and  the  pulpits. 


APPENDIX    IV 


JOHN  HANCOCK,  the  president,  takes  leave  of  the  Con 
tinental  Congress  : 

GENTLEMEN  :  Friday  last  completed  two  years  &  five  months  since 
you  did  me  the  honor  of  electing  me  to  fill  this  chair.  As  I  could 
never  flatter  myself  your  choice  proceeded  from  any  idea  of  my  abil 
ities,  but  rather  from  a  partial  opinion  of  my  attachment  to  the  lib 
erties  of  America,  I  felt  myself  under  the  strongest  obligations  to 
discharge  the  duties  of  the  office,  and  I  accepted  the  appointment 
with  the  firmest  resolutions  to  go  through  the  business  annexed 
toit  in  the  best  manner  I  was  able.  Every  argument  conspired  to 
make  me  exert  myself,  and  I  endeavored  by  industry  and  attention 
to  make  up  for  every  other  deficiency. 

As  to  my  conduct  both  in  &  out  of  Congress,  in  the  execution  of 
your  business,  it  is  improper  for  me  to  say  anything.  You  are  the 
best  judges.  But  I  think  I  shall  be  forgiven  if  I  say  I  have  spared 
no  pains,  expense,  or  labor,  to  gratify  Your  wishes,  and  to  accom 
plish  the  views  of  Congress.  My  health  being  much  impaired  I  find 
some  relaxation  absolutely  necessary  after  such  constant  application. 
I  must  therefore  request  Your  Indulgence  for  leave  of  absence  for  two 
months.  But  I  cannot  take  my  departure,  gentlemen,  without  ex 
pressing  my  thanks  for  the  civility  &  politeness  I  have  experienced 
from  you.  It  is  impossible  to  maintain  this  without  a  heartfelt  pleas 
ure.  If  any  expressions  have  dropped  from  my  lips  which  have 
given  offence  to  any  member  during  the  long  period  that  I  have  had 
the  honor  to  fill  this  chair,  I  hope  they  will  be  passed  over,  for  they 
were  prompted  by  no  unkind  motive. 

May  every  happiness,  gentlemen,  attend  you,  both  as  members  of 
this  house  and  as  individuals,  and  I  pray  Heaven  that  unanimity  & 
perseverance  may  go  hand  in  hand  in  this  house,  and  that  every 
thing  which  may  tend  to  distract  or  divide  your  councils  be  forever 
banished. 

265 


APPENDIX    V 


ON  Oct.  25,  1780,  John  Hancock  was  inaugurated  as  the 
first  governor  under  the  Constitution  of  the  State  of  Massa 
chusetts.  A  committee  of  the  House  and  Senate  conducted 
his  Excellency  to  the  State  House.  They  were  preceded  by 
the  Independent  Company.  "The  honorable  members  of 
both  houses  being  assembled  in  the  Council  Chamber,  his 
Excellency  addressed  them  as  follows  —  previous  to  his 
taking  the  oaths  required  of  him,  viz.,  — 

Honorable  Gentlemen,  — 

It  would  have  ill  become  me  at  so  early  a  moment  after  being  notified 
of  my  appointment  by  the  respectable  committee  of  this  honorable  assem 
bly,  to  appear  here  to  comply  with  the  qualifying  requisitions  of  the  Consti 
tution,  had  not  the  circumstances  of  the  returns  made  the  choice  a  matter  of 
public  notoriety  some  weeks  past,  and  receiving  it  from  such  authority  as 
confirmed  its  reality,  led  me  to  contemplate  the  subject;  and,  although 
fully  sensible  of  my  inability  to  the  important  purposes  of  the  appointment, 
yet  having,  in  the  early  stage  of  this  contest,  determined  to  devote  my 
whole  time  and  services  to  be  employed  in  my  country's  cause  to  the  utter 
exclusion  of  all  private  business,  even  to  the  end  of  the  war,  and  being 
ever  ready  to  obey  the  call  of  my  country,  I  venture  to  offer  myself; 
ready  to  comply  with  the  requisitions  of  the  Constitution,  and  regularly 
and  punctually  attend  to  the  duties  of  the  department  in  which  my  country 
has  been  pleased  to  place  me." 

After  the  oath  was  taken,  the  Secretary  declared  his  Ex 
cellency,  John  Hancock,  Esq.,  Governor  of  this  Common 
wealth,  from  the  balcony  of  the  State  House,  repeated  by 
the  Sheriff  of  the  County  of  Suffolk. 

Condensed  from  report  in  Independent  Chronicle  of  Nov. 
4,  1780. 

266 


APPENDIX   V  267 

Inaugural  address  of  John  Hancock  as  Governor  of 
Massachusetts,  1780  :  — 

Gentlemen  of  the  Senate,  and  Gentlemen  of  the  House  of  Representa 
tives,  — 

With  a  sincere  and  warm  heart  I  congratulate  you  and  my  country  on 
the  singular  favor  of  heaven  in  the  peaceable  and  auspicious  settlement 
of  our  government  upon  a  Constitution  formed  by  the  wisdom,  and  sancti 
fied  by  the  solemn  choice  of  the  people  who  are  to  live  under  it.  May 
the  Supreme  Ruler  of  the  world  be  pleased  to  establish  and  perpetuate  these 
new  foundations  of  liberty  and  glory. 

Finding  myself  placed  at  the  head  of  this  Commonwealth  by  the  free 
suffrages  of  its  citizens,  while  1  most  sensibly  feel  the  distinction  they  have 
conferred  upon  me  in  this  election,  I  am  at  a  loss  to  express  the  sentiments 
of  gratitude  with  which  it  has  impressed  me.  In  addition  to  my  natural 
affection  for  them,  and  the  obligations  they  have  before  laid  upon  me,  I 
have  now  a  new  and  irresistible  motive,  ever  to  consider  their  happiness 
as  my  greatest  interest,  and  their  freedom  my  highest  honor. 

Deeply  impressed  with  a  sense  of  the  important  duties  to  which  my 
country  now  calls  me,  while  I  obey  the  call,  I  most  ardently  wish  my 
self  adequate  to  these  duties;  but  can  only  promise,  in  concurrence  with 
you,  Gentlemen,  a  faithful  and  unremitting  attention  to  them,  supported 
as  I  am  by  the  advice  and  assistance  of  the  Council  happily  provided  by 
the  Constitution,  to  whose  judgment  I  shall  always  pay  the  greatest  re 
spect,  and  on  whose  wisdom  and  integrity  I  shall  ever  rely.  May  unanim 
ity  among  the  several  branches  of  this  new  government  consolidate  its 
force,  and  establish  such  measures  as  shall  most  effectually  advance  the 
interest  and  reputation  of  the  Commonwealth.  This  can  never  be  done 
but  by  a  strict  adherence  in  every  point  to  the  principles  of  our  excellent 
Constitution,  which  on  my  own  part  I  engage  most  sacredly  to  preserve. 

Gentlemen,  Of  all  the  weighty  business  that  lies  before  you,  a  point 
of  the  first  importance  and  most  pressing  necessity  is  the  establishment  of 
the  army  in  such  consistency  and  force,  and  with  such  seasonable  and 
competent  supplies,  as  may  render  it,  in  conjunction  with  the  respectable 
forces  sent  to  our  assistance  by  our  powerful  and  generous  ally,  an  ef 
fectual  defence  to  the  free  Constitutions  and  independence  of  the  United 
States. 

You  cannot  give  too  early  or  too  serious  an  attention  to  that  proportion 
of  this  business  that  falls  to  the  share  of  this  Commonwealth.  The  mode 
we  have  too  long  practised  of  re-enforcing  the  army  by  enlistments  for  a 
short  time,  has  been  found  to  be  at  once  greatly  ineffectual  and  extremely 
burthensomc.  The  commander-in-chief,  in  whose  abilities  and  integrity 


268  APPENDIX    V 

we  justly  repose  the  highest  confidence,  has  repeatedly  stated  to  us  the 
great  disadvantages  arising  from  it;  and  the  necessity  of  an  army  engaged 
for  the  whole  war,  and  well  provided,  is  now  universally  felt  and  ac 
knowledged.  Nor  should  a  moment  of  time  be  lost  in  prosecuting  every 
measure  for  establishing  an  object  so  essential  to  the  preservation  of  our 
liberties  and  all  that  is  dear  to  us.  Care  at  the  same  time  ought  to  be 
taken  that  the  necessary  supplies  be  committed  to  men  on  whose  princi 
ples  and  affection  to  our  great  cause,  as  well  as  capacity  for  such  a  ser 
vice,  we  may  safely  depend. 

The  support  of  the  public  faith  stands  in  close  connection  with  this 
measure  of  defence,  and,  indeed,  is  absolutely  necessary  to  it,  and  to  the 
whole  interest  and  honor  of  the  State.  No  expedient  should  be  unex 
plored,  no  necessary  measure  unattempted,  no  nerve  in  government  or  the 
community  unexerted,  to  maintain  our  credit  and  remove  all  just  ground  of 
complaint  from  the  army  that  protects  us,  or  from  those  who  have  in  any 
instances  relied  on  the  public  engagements.  What  friend  to  his  country 
would  not  cheerfully  bear  his  full  proportion  of  the  expense  necessary  for 
this  purpose  ?  And  I  doubt  not  you  will  take  all  possible  care  that  no 
more  than  such  a  proportion  be  laid  upon  any  man  or  any  class  of  men. 
This  is  not  only  a  clear  point  of  justice  from  which  no  government  can 
in  any  instance  recede  without  injuring  and  dishonoring  itself,  but  is  of 
particular  importance  to  the  internal  peace  and  good  temper,  and  conse 
quently  the  safety,  of  the  Commonwealth.  Doth  not  this  safety  also 
require  a  stricter  attention  than  I  fear  has  been  paid  to  the  methods  and 
purposes  of  an  intercourse  with  Great  Britain,  and  that  more  effectual 
measures  may  be  taken  to  prevent  flags  of  truce  from  conveying  intelli 
gence  or  improper  persons  to  those  who  are  prosecuting  a  war  against  us 
with  great  insidiousness  as  well  as  cruelty,  to  cut  off  a  correspondence  be 
tween  our  secret  enemies  at  home  and  our  declared  ones  abroad,  and  to 
restrain  prisoners  of  war  from  being  at  large  among  us,  without  prudent 
checks,  especially  in  our  seaports.  In  all  such  cases,  your  vigilance  will 
discern,  and  your  fidelity  provide  where  it  may  be  needed,  a  proper  guard 
to  the  public  safety.  The  present  situation  of  the  eastern  part  of  the  State, 
and  the  protection  of  our  seacoasts,  navigation,  and  commerce,  in  all  which 
not  only  the  interest  of  this  and  the  United  States,  but  that  of  our  allies, 
is  deeply  concerned,  are  important  objects  that  require  particular  atten 
tion. 

If  we  look  to  the  westward,  we  see  recent  incursions  and  ravages  of 
the  enemy,  so  that  from  every  quarter  we  are  loudly  called  upon  to 
employ  the  most  speedy  and  strenuous  efforts  for  providing  funds  that  may 
be  depended  on,  and  establishing  an  army  sufficient,  by  the  blessing  of 
Heaven,  for  the  complete  deliverance  of  our  country.  Its  resources,  im 
proved  with  judgment  and  spirit,  are  adequate  to  such  a  purpose.  Nor 


APPENDIX    V  269 

can  I  forbear  to  observe  that  \ve  may  enter  upon  this  business  immediately 
with  less  expense  and  greater  advantages  than  in  any  future  time. 

You  are  fully  sensible,  Gentlemen,  that  the  separation  which  the  Con 
stitution  has  made  between  the  legislative  and  judicial  powers,  and  that 
just  degree  of  independence  it  has  given  to  the  latter,  is  one  of  the  surest 
guards  to  the  person,  property,  and  liberties  of  the  subjects  of  this  Com 
monwealth,  and  accordingly  you  are,  I  am  thoroughly  persuaded,  heartily 
disposed  to  support  this  independence,  and  the  honor  and  vigor,  of  the 
supreme  judicial  department  in  its  whole  constitutional  extent. 

Sensible  of  the  importance  of  Christian  piety  and  virtue  to  the  order 
and  happiness  of  a  state,  I  cannot  but  earnestly  commend  to  you  every 
measure  for  their  support  and  encouragement  that  shall  not  infringe  the 
rights  of  conscience,  which  I  rejoice  to  see  established  by  the  Constitu 
tion  on  so  broad  a  basis  ;  and  if  anything  can  be  further  done  on  the  same 
basis  for  the  relief  of  the  public  teachers  of  religion  and  morality,  an  order 
of  men  greatly  useful  to  their  country,  and  who  have  particularly  suf 
fered  in  the  defence  of  its  rights  by  the  depreciation  of  currency  ;  as  also 
for  the  relief  of  widows  and  orphans,  many  of  whom  have  been  distressed 
in  the  same  way,  and  who  are  particularly  committed  by  Heaven  to  the 
protection  of  civil  rulers,  I  shall  most  readily  concur  with  you  in  every 
such  measure. 

A  due  observation  of  the  Lord's  Day  is  not  only  important  to  internal 
religion,  but  greatly  conducive  to  the  order  and  benefit  of  civil  society. 
It  speaks  to  the  senses  of  mankind,  and,  by  a  solemn  cessation  from  their 
common  affairs,  reminds  them  of  a  Deity  and  their  accountableness  to  the 
great  Lord  of  all.  Whatever  may  be  necessary  to  the  support  of  such 
an  institution,  in  consistence  with  a  reasonable  personal  liberty,  deserves 
the  attention  of  civil  government. 

Manners,  by  which  not  only  the  freedom,  but  the  very  existence  of  the 
republics,  are  greatly  affected,  depend  much  upon  the  public  institutions 
of  religion  and  the  good  education  of  youth  ;  in  both  these  instances  our 
fathers  laid  wise  foundations,  for  which  their  posterity  have  had  reason  to 
bless  their  memory.  The  public  schools,  and  our  university  at  Cambridge, 
very  early  founded  by  them,  have  been  no  small  support  to  the  cause  of 
liberty,  and  given  no  dishonorable  distinction  to  our  country.  The  ad 
vantages  they  are  still  capable  of  affording  to  the  present  and  future 
generations  are  unspeakable.  I  cannot,  therefore,  omit  warmly  to  com 
mend  them  to  your  care  and  patronage. 

The  laws  will  now  require  to  be  accurately  revised,  and  particularly  that 
which  regulates  the  militia,  on  which  the  safety  of  the  Commonwealth 
naturally  rests.  This  revision  you  cannot  fail  to  attend  to  as  early  as  cir 
cumstances  will  allow,  which  will  lead  you  not  only  to  adapt  the  laws  in  the 
most  perfect  manner  possible  to  the  defence  of  the  State,  but  also  for  the 


2/0  APPENDIX    V 

suppression  of  idleness,  dissipation,  extravagancy,  and  all  those  vices  that 
are  peculiarly  inimical  to  free  republics,  and  for  the  encouragement  of  those 
apposite  virtues  that  are  particularly  friendly  to  such  a  form  of  govern 
ment. 

In  such  measures  as  I  have  now  mentioned,  and  in  every  other  tending 
to  promote  the  public  welfare,  you  may  always  depend  on  my  cheerful 
concurrence  with  you,  and  giving  every  despatch  in  rny  power  to  the  public 
business.  And  I  shall  from  time  to  time  seasonably  communicate  to  you 
such  informations  and  proposals  of  business  as  may  be  proper  to  lay  be 
fore  you. 

May  the  new  government  diffuse  a  new  animation  through  the  whole 
political  body  ;  the  people  expect  much  from  it,  perhaps  more  in  some 
points  than  circumstances  will  allow  it  to  perform;  but,  standing  as  we  do 
upon  their  choice  and  affections,  and  strenuously  exerting  ourselves  as  we 
ought  for  their  interest,  they  may  find  it  happily  advanced. 

May  Heaven  assist  us  to  set  out  well,  to  brighten  the  auspices  of  our 
Constitution,  to  render  it  still  more  beloved  and  admired  by  the  citizens  of 
this  Commonwealth,  and  to  recommend  it  to  the  whole  world  by  a  wise 
and  impartial,  a  firm  and  vigorous,  administration  of  it. 

JOHN  HANCOCK. 


AITKNDIX    VI 


THE  last  effort  to  save  the  Hancock  Mansion  was  in  June, 
1863.  A  broadside  printed  in  red  ink  and  in  a  most  con 
spicuous  form  was  posted. 

BOSTONIANS. 

SAVE  THE  OLD  JOHN  HANCOCK  MANSION  ! 

THERE  is  TIME  YET,  ALTHOUGH  THE  WORK  OF 
DEMOLITION  HAS  COMMENCED. 

It  is  a  question  of  some  perplexity  to  decide  how  far  it  is 
wise  or  proper  for  the  city  government  or  for  individuals  to 
interfere  to  prevent  the  act  of  modern  vandalism  which  de 
mands  the  destruction  of  this  precious  relic;  for  that  it  is 
destroyed  in  effect,  if  removed,  we  conceive  admits  of  no 
question.  Will  it  or  will  it  not  be  a  mitigation  of  the  public 
disgrace  to  establish  the  house  itself  elsewhere,  as  a  per 
petual  monument  of  the  proceeding  ? 

Without  wishing  in  the  least  degree  to  discourage  the 
public  spirit  and  the  patriotism  of  those  gentlemen  in  the 
city  council,  who  are  seeking  at  this  moment  to  do  the  best 
they  can  for  the  preservation  of  the  house,  we  still  think  it 
right  that  one  preliminary  appeal  should  be  made  to  the 
present  owners.  They  are  gentlemen  of  wealth,  they  have 
made  an  honest  purchase,  and  of  course  may  plead  that  they 
have  a  right  to  do  what  they  will  with  their  own.  It  is  with 
full  recognition  of  their  rights  in  this  respect  ;  and,  withal 
in  the  utmost  kindness  to  them,  that  we  should  admonish 
them  how  dearly  is  purchased  any  good  thing  which  costs 

271 


272  APPENDIX    VI 

sacrifice  of  public  associations  so  dear  and  so  noble  as  those 
that  cluster  around  the  Hancock  House. 

These  purchasers  must  at  any  rate  be  prepared  to  hear 
during  the  whole  of  their  lives,  and  that  of  their  remotest 
posterity,  so  long  as  any  of  them  may  live  in  the  elegant 
modern  palaces  which  supplant  the  ancient  structure,  the 
frequent  expression  of  public  discontent. 

Argument  may  show  them  blameless ;  but  sentiment  will 
ever  condemn  the  proceeding  in  which  theirs  will  be,  per 
haps  the  most  innocent,  but  nevertheless  the  most  permanent 
part.  It  is  not  often  that  an  opportunity  is  given  to  men 
of  wealth  to  earn  a  title  to  public  gratitude,  by  an  act  of 
simple  self-denial.  Such  an  opportunity  falls  to  the  lot  of 
the  purchasers  of  this  estate.  Stay  the  destroying  hand,  and 
in  less  than  one  year  the  money  can  be  raised  by  subscrip 
tion,  or  an  overwhelming  vote  be  had  from  the  city  empower 
ing  the  city  fathers  to  purchase  it. 

There  is  patriotism  and  reverence  for  antiquity  enough  in 
Boston  to  save  this  house,  only  let  it  be  waked  up. 

BOSTON,  June  6,  1863. 

(From  copy  in  N.  E.  Historic  Genealogical  Society.) 

While  .the  effort  to  save  this  house  did  not  avail,  and  must 
be  forever  an  occasion  for  regret,  it  is  gratifying  that  the 
Hancock  house  at  Lexington  has  been  saved,  although  re 
moved  from  its  original  site. 


APPENDIX    VII 


HANCOCK'S  BUSINESS  ASSOCIATES  NOT  MENTIONED 
ELSEWHERE  IN  THIS  VOLUME 


ABBE,  JOHN. 
ALDEN  JOHN.  . 

There  were  in  Boston  senior  and  junior. 

ALLINE,  HENRY,  JUN. 
ATHEARN,  JAMES. 
ATHERTON,  JAMES. 
ATKINS,  HENRY. 

Selectman,     lived    opposite     Garden 
Court. 

ATKINS,  JOSHUA. 
ATKINS,  THOMAS. 

Lived  in  Richmond  Street. 


BACON,  EDWARD. 
HALLS,  ROBERT. 
BAI.LARD,  SAMUEL. 

Pew  in  Christ  Church. 

BAKER,  JOHN. 

Lived  in  Williams  Court,  burned  out 
in  1762. 

BARKER,  DANIEL. 
BARKER,  JOSIAIL 

Of  Nantucket. 

BARRETT,  JONATHAN. 
BASS,  HENRY. 

Of  tea-party. 

BEAL,  JOSHUA. 
BEAZE,  JOSEPH. 
BELL,  WILLIAM. 
BILLINV.S,  RICHARD. 
BLACK,  ANDREW. 
BLAKE,  JOHN. 
BLAKE,  JOSEPH. 
BLANCHARD,  HEZEKIAIL 


BLASDELL,  HENRY. 
BLOSSOM,  JAMES. 
BOWERMAN,  STEPHEN. 
BOYLSTON,  THOMAS. 

Eminetit  Hoston  merchant,  Loyalist, 
died  in  London,  1798. 

BOYNTON,  RICHARD. 
BRADFORD,  J. 
BRADFORD,  THOMAS. 
BRAGDON,  JOHN. 
BRAGDON,  SAMUEL. 
BREWER,  JOHN. 
BRIGHAM,  EBEN. 
BRIMMER,  JOHN. 

Family  seat  in  School  Street. 

BROWN,  ABIJAH. 
BROWN,  WILLIAM. 

Of  Salem,  grandson  of  Gov.  Unmet; 
colonel  of  militia ;  judge  of  Su 
preme  Court ;  banished,  1778. 

BURBECK,  EDWARD. 

CALEF,  THOMAS. 
CALLENDER,  JOSEPH,  JUN. 
CAMPBELL,  ROBERT. 
CHAMBERLAIN,  ALEXANDER. 

Warden  of  Christ  Church,  1747. 

COATTS,  THOMAS. 
COOK,  NOAH. 
COFFIN,  CAI.KB. 
COFFIN,  RUTH. 
COFFIN,  TIMOTHY. 
COFFIN,  WILLIAM. 

Torv.  went  to  Halifax. 


273 


2/4 


APPENDIX    VI f 


CONDON,  SAMUEL. 
COWDRY,  JOHN. 
CRAFTS,  THOMAS. 
CRAFTS,  WILLIAM. 

Colonel  of  artillery. 

CROSS,  THEODORE. 

DAILEY,  THOMAS. 
DAMOND,  CAPTAIN  GEORGE. 

Of  Portsmouth. 

DAVIS,  JOHN. 

DAVIS,  WILLIAM. 

DAVY,  SOL. 

DAWES,  MAJOR  THOMAS. 

Architect  of  Brattle-street  Church. 

DEAN,  MELATIAH. 
DECOSTER,  SIMPLE. 
DENNIE,  WILLIAM. 
DICKERSON,  OBA. 
DICKEY,  JAMES. 
DOANE,  ISAAC. 
DOLIBAR,  WILLIAM. 
DREW,  JOSEPH. 
DURFEE,  THOMAS. 
DUNHAM,  SHUBEL. 
DUTTON,  EBENEZER. 
EASTMAN,  WILLIAM. 
EDES,  THOMAS. 

A  baker.  Thomas  Hutchinson  found 
refuge  at  his  house  from  the  mob. 

ERVING,  JOHN. 

One  of  the  most  eminent  merchants  of 
America;  grandfather  of  Hon.  Rob 
ert  C.  Winthrop. 

FESSENDEN,  JOSIAH. 
FLAGG,  GERSHOM,  JUN. 
FLETCHER,  SAMUEL. 
FOLGER,  TIMOTHY. 
FRENCH,  ISAAC. 

GARDNER,  JAMES. 
GARDNER,  JOHN. 
GARDNER,  SILVESTER,  DR. 
GIBBS,  JOHN. 

Master  of  ship  Olive  of  Nantucket. 

GILL,  SAMUEL. 

Of  firm  of  Edes  &  Gill. 


GOODING,  SAMUEL. 
GORHAM,  STURGIS. 

Built  first  house  on  south  side  of  Pearl 
Street. 

GRAY,  JOHN. 

Of  ropewalk  fame. 

GRAY,  LIEUT. 
GREEN,  FRANCIS. 

Of  Harvard  College,  prominent  Tory. 

GREEN,  DARIUS. 
GREENOUGH,  NEWMAN. 
GREENOUGH,  SAMUEL. 
GREENWOOD,  NATHANIEL. 

Captain  of  mast  ship. 

GRIDLEY,  RICHARD. 

Engineer  at  Bunker  Hill. 

GROW,  EDWARD. 
HALL,  JAMES. 

Commander  of  ship  Dartmouth.  Ban 
ished. 

HALLOWELL,  BENJAMIN. 

Commissioner  of  Customs.  Tory. 
Left  in  1776. 

HALLOWELL,  ROBERT. 

Commissioner  of  Customs.  Ordered 
Hancock's  sloop  Liberty  seized. 
Banished.  Returned,  and  died  in 
Maine,  1818. 

HALLOWELL,  ROBERT. 

Son  of  Benjamin. 

HATCH,  W. 
HAVEN,  RHODES. 
HENDERSON,  HENRY. 

Tax  collector,  1770. 

HENSHAW,  JOSHUA. 

( )n  committee  to  demand  removal  of 
troops. 

HEWES,  SAMUEL. 

One  of  the  58  Boston  merchants  of 
1760.  Banished. 

HICHBORNE,  THOMAS. 
HIGGINS,  SYLVESTER. 
HILL,  ALEXANDER. 

Ancestor  of  Edward  Everett. 

HODSON,  THOMAS. 

Owned  land  on  Beacon  Hill, 

HOLLAND,  JOHN. 
HOMER,  WILLIAM. 
HOOD,  JOSEPH. 
HOWARD,  SAMUEL. 

Was  a  captain  ;  his  apprentice  was  John 
Clark,  wounded  at  the  massacre. 


APPENDIX    VII 


2/5 


IIUBBELL,  JOSIAH. 
HUNT,  JOAH. 

Shipjoiner,  lived  in  Charter  Street. 

HUSSEY,  SYLVESTER. 
INCHES,  HENDERSON. 

A  ropemaker  connected  with  Bunker 
family,  prominent  in  stamp  trouble. 

INGERSOLL,  DANIEL. 

Member  of  tea-party. 

JACKSON,  JOSEPH. 

See  Scots'  Charitable  Society,  Sun 
Tavern. 

JENKINS,  JONA. 
JOHNSON,  GEORGE. 

KELL,  SAMUEL. 

Pilot  on  sloop  Liberty,  Nantucket. 

HENDRICK,  JOHN. 

Captain  of  the  Columbia. 

KENT,  WILLIAM. 
KNOX,  THOMAS. 

LAMBERT,  JOHN. 
LANGDON, JOHN, JUN. 
LINCOLN,  BENJAMIN,  ESQ. 

General  in  Revolution.  First  collec 
tor  of  customs  of  United  States  at 
Boston. 


Mi  NOT,  GEORGE. 

Had  a  warehouse  in  1754  on  Minot's 
T,  a  wharf  on  the  northerly  side  of 
Long  Wharf. 

MITCHELL,  REBEKAII. 
MOORE,  HUGH. 

Burnt  out  in  1760. 

MOORE,  JOSEPH. 
MORE,  WILLIAM. 

NELSON,  ROBERT. 
NEWELL,  JOHN. 
NOWELL,  JOSEPH. 
Now  ELL,  SAMUEL. 


PADDOCK,  ADINO. 

Set  out   the   Paddock   Kims.     Coach- 
builder.     Violent  Tory. 


£> 


LONG,  JOHN. 
LORING,  CALEB. 
LORING,  WILLIAM. 

MACCY,  REUBEN. 
MACKETT,  JONATHAN. 
MARRABLE,  THOMAS. 
MASON,  JONATHAN. 

A  leading  business-man  in  1760. 

MERRICK,  TILLEY. 

A  merchant  at  Concord,  Mass. 

MERRICK,  MARY. 

Wife  of  Tilley. 

MCLEAN,  JOHN. 

Founder  of  McLean  Asylum. 


PALFREY,  WILLIAM. 

Property  confiscated  and  sold  in  1780. 

PARKER,  DANIEL. 
PERKINS,  DANIEL. 
PERKINS,  JAMES. 

Boston  merchant ;    gave  Athe 
naeum  building. 

Pico,  JOSHUA. 
PIPER,  WALTER. 
PIERPONT,  ROBERT. 

Connected  with  the  guard-house 
trouble  of  1768. 

POLLARD,  BENJAMIN. 

Colonel  of  Cadets  in  1745. 

POPE,  SAMUEL,  JUN. 
PRATT,  SAMUEL. 
PRENTISE,  HENRY. 

Of  tea-party. 

PRICE,  Ez. 

PRINCE,  CAPTAIN  JOB. 

QUINCY,  EDMUND,  3d. 

Judge,  born  1703,  married  Klizaboth 
Wendell.  He  was  son  of  Kdmund 
Quincy  and  Dorothy  Flint.  F.li/,a- 
beth  Wendell  was  daughter  of  Abra 
ham,  brother  of  Jacob. 


276 


APPENDIX    VII 


RAWSON,  PAUL. 
REED,  WILLIAM. 
RICHARDSON,  JOHN. 
ROBINSON,  JOHN. 

A  Commissioner  of  Customs,  who  as 
saulted  James  Otis,  Sept.  5,  1760, 
and  caused  a  fatal  injury  to  the  bril 
liant  young  lawyer. 

ROBINS,  JAMES. 
Ross,  WILLIAM. 
RUSSELL,  BARNABAS. 
RUSSELL,  JOSEPH. 

A  director  in  Old  U.  S.  Hank. 

RUSH,  ENOCH. 

S  ALTER,  SAMPSON. 
SALTER,  THOMAS. 
SAYVVARD,  JONATHAN. 

A  business-man  of  1 760. 

SEARS,  DAVID. 

Son  of  Daniel,  opulent  merchant  in 
Boston  ;  married  Ann,  daughter  of 
John  Winthrop,  Esq.  They  were 
parents  of  Hon.  David  Sears. 

SELLON,  JOHN. 
SELLON,  SAMUEL. 
SEVVELL,  JOSEPH. 

Pastor  of  Old  South  Church,  died 
June  27,  1769. 

SHARPS,  GIBBINS. 
SHED,  JOSEPH. 
SHERMAN,  ABRAHAM. 
SIMPSON,  JOHN. 
SHIRLEY,  JOHN. 
SHIRLEY,  MEHITABLE. 
SKELTON,  SIMEON. 
SKILLIN,  JOHN. 
SMITH,  ELIPHALET. 
SMITH,  HENRY. 
SNELLINGS,  JONATHAN. 
SNOW,  JOSEPH,  JUN. 
SPEAR,  JOSEPH. 
SPRIGS,  GEORGE. 
STUNBRIDGE,  HENRY. 
STURGIS,  THOMAS. 
STURGIS,  SAMUEL. 
SWAIN,  STEPHEN. 


SYMMES,  ANDREW,  30. 

In  patriot  service,  1776. 

SYMMES,  THOMAS, 

THAYER,  EBENEZER,  JUN. 
THORNTON,  TIMOTHY. 
TILESTON,  REBECCA. 

Mother  of  "  Master  Johnny  "  (Porter). 

TILESTON,  ONESIMUS  (?). 
TILESTON,  THOMAS. 

Admiral,  1771. 

TINKER,  SILVANUS. 
TOWNSEND,  ANDREW. 
TURNER,  MARY. 

Wife  of  Thomas. 
TURNER,  THOMAS. 
TYLER,  EDWARD. 

Son  of  Moses. 

TYLER,  MOSES. 
VINSON,  JONATHAN. 

WATERHOUSE,  SAMUEL. 
WALLEY,  THOMAS. 

Active  in  non -importation,  1769. 

WALKER,  THOMAS. 

A  founder  of  Hollis-street  Church. 

WALKER,  JOHN. 

A  founder  of  Hollis-street  Church. 

WATERMAN,  THOMAS. 

A  founder  of  the  Royal  Arch  Chapter, 
F.  A.  M. 

WELLS,  SUSANNA. 
WENDELL,  JACOB. 

Prominent  man  of  I5oston ;  Colonel  of 
Boston  Regiment,  1745. 


WENDELL,  OLIVER,  1772. 

Grandfather  of  O.  W.  Holmes. 


WESTON,  ELIPHAC. 
WHEATLEY,  NATHANIEL. 


APPKNDJX    I'll  277 

WlIEATER,   JOSEPH.  W1MHLE,  W. 

WHITNEY,  DANIEL.  WINTER,  EDWARD. 

WHITNEY,  SIMEON.  WINTHROP,  ADAM. 

On    committee    to   convey    thanks    ot 

WHITE,  JOHN.  tuwn  to  Peter  Kaneuil  for  market. 

Merchant  at  Concord,  Mass.  WlNTHROI',  ANDREW. 

WILDER,  JOSEPH.  WINSI.OW,  ISAAC,  JUN. 

WILLIAMS,  JONATHAN.  WINSLOW,  JOSHUA. 

WILLIAMS,  ROBERT.  WINSOR,  JONATHAN. 
WILLIAMS,  THOMAS. 


BUSINESS  FIRMS. 

BENJAMIN  &  EDWARD  DAVIS.  SCOTT  &  ('.ILL. 

Nan  tucket. 

BOWLES  &  LUCRES.  gnv   HUSSEY  &  CQ 
BUNKER,  JENKINS,  &  BARNARD.  Nantucket. 

GREEN  &  BOYLSTON.  STEPHEN  &  E/EKIEL  1 1  ALL. 

JACKSON  &  KING,  1771.  THOMAS  D.  &  JOSEPH  DAKIN. 

JONATHAN  GUSHING  &  Co.  THOMAS,  MAKRAKLE,  &  HUNT 

JOSIAH  BARKER  &  Co.  WM.  &  MICHAEL  HOMER. 

Nantucket.  WlIIPPLE   &    WllEATON. 

NATHANIEL  APPLETON  &  Co. 
NICH.  BROWN  &  Go. 

Providence. 


INDEX 


AHBOTT,  Samuel,  48. 

Adams,  John,  3,  101,  137,  164,  197, 
199,  200,  201,  204,  209. 

Adams,  Samuel,  55,  84,  100,  101, 
104,  120,  137,  153,  154,  164, 
167,  184,  193,  194,  197,  199, 
201,  247. 

Adventure,  ship,  72,  76. 

Allen,  Captain  David,  78. 

Amory,  Thomas,  48. 

Amsterdam,  13,  1 8. 

Andover,  165. 

Andrews,  John,  179. 

Annapolis,  9,  15,  16,  17,  113; 
Fort,  29. 

Antigua,  72. 

Apthorp,  Rev.  East,  19. 

Apthorp  &  Hancock,  41. 

Appleton,  John,  49,  107  ;  Nathan 
iel,  49,  107. 

Assistance,  writs  of,  33. 

Assembly,  General,  112,  158,  172, 

!75- 

Auchmuty,  Robert, Esq.,  35,  39,  62. 
Austin,  Jonathan  William,  225. 

Baker,  Mary,  106. 

Baltimore,  213,  214,  241. 

Bant,  Mr.,  222,  227. 

Barnard,  Jonathan,  Esq.,  9  ;  & 
Co.,  letter  to,  u,  12,  14,  15,  17, 
21,  22,  23,  25,  26,  27,  28,  30, 
33'  35»  36>  37,  42. 


Barnard  &  Harrison,  43,  47,  48,  49, 
51,  54,  57,  63,  67,  69. 

Barnards  &  Harrison,  letter  to,  70, 
90,  92,  108,  117,  119,  120,  124, 
131,  233,  249,  251. 

Barnards  &  Harrison,  75,80,  83,  85, 
89,  92,  113,  114,  122,  123,  142. 

Barker  &  Burnell,  86,  122. 

Barrington,  Lord,  160." 

Bastide,  Major  General,  26,  28. 

Bastide,  Mr.,  28  ;    Mrs.,  28. 

Beaver,  tea-ship,  178. 

Bedford  parsonage,  4,  5,  13 

Bedford  line,  194. 

Bennett,  George,  194. 

Bernard,  Governor,  58,  84,  99,  108, 
123,  159,  160,  162,  165,  167. 

Beth,  William,  12,  13,  18,  35. 

Bethune,  Nathaniel,  39. 

Billerica,  191,  194. 

Birkbeck,  Benjamin,  26. 

Blake,  Captain,  68. 

Blanchard  &  Hancock,  51,  54  ; 
Caleb,  64,  107. 

Bland,  Richard,  200. 

Bond,  Doctor,  218. 

Bordeaux,  61. 

Boscowen,  ship,  27,  30. 

Boston,  13,  116,  158,  160,  161, 
163,  172,  177,  178,  189,  191, 
200,  205  ;  blockaded,  184;  Com 
mon,  126,  127,  162  ;  evacuated, 
206  ;  harbor,  138  ;  massacre, 


279 


280 


INDEX 


167  ;    population,    109  ;     troops 

in,    159,    161,   165  ;    troops  out, 

167,   205  ;    town-meeting,    151  ; 

tea-party,  181. 
Bowes,  William,  13,  48,  116,  119, 

232,    235  ;    Rev.   Nicholas,    13  ; 

Nicholas, 155;  Lucy  Hancock,  13. 
Bowes,  Mr.,  131,  170  ;  Lyclia,  174; 

friend,  134. 
Braintree,  147. 
Brest,  46,  79. 
Bridge,  Rev.  Mr.,  129. 
Bridgewater,  148. 
Brattle-street    Church,    173,     177, 

224,  247  ;    family,  19. 
Brimmer,  Susannah,  107. 
Breck,  William,  137. 
Bristol,  122. 

Brookbank,  shoemaker,  59. 
Brown,  Samuel  and  Ebenezer,  107; 

brothers,  252. 
Bromfield,     Colonel     Henry,    110, 

ill,  250. 

Bruce,  Captain  James,  178. 
Bulkley,  Captain  Peter,  32. 
Bunker,  Hezekiah,  102  ;  Paul,  68, 

102. 
Bunker    Hill,    53,   63  ;    battle    of, 

209. 

Burdened  by  taxes,  90. 
Burr,  Aaron,  204  ;    Eunice,  240  ; 

Thaddeus,  202,  204,  240. 
Burlington,  194. 
Butters,  William,  135. 
Burnell  &  Barker,  48. 
Burnell,  Jona,  68  ;    Mary,  32. 
Buxton  &   Symmes,    46,  47  ;    and 

Enderby,  64,  67. 

Cahill,  Mr.,  25. 

Calef,  ship,  66. 

Cambridge,  167,  187,  189,  205. 

Campbell,  Captain,  27. 


Castle  William,  160. 

Carleton,  General,  214. 

Cazneau,  Captain,  207,  208  ;  Isaac, 

144,  145  ;    Paix,  167. 
Champion  &  Haley,  46,  47,  48,  64. 
Chatham,  Lord,  209. 
Chignecto,  9,  15,  17,  29,  113. 
Choate,  Rufus,  2. 
Clark,  Benjamin,  48  ;    Christopher, 

48;   Jonas,  107;    Richard  no. 
Clinton,  George,  200. 
Codfish,  215,  241. 
Coffin,    Captain,    127  ;    Nathaniel, 

33;    Hezekiah,    178;    Mr.,  39; 

Shubael,  125  ;    ship,  127. 
Collier,  Mrs.,  223. 
Commissioners  of  customs,  154. 
Concord,  187,  192,  196. 
Congress,    Continental,    171,    198, 

200,  213,   215,  221,    225,    247  ; 

Provincial,    188,    189,    190,    193, 

196,  200  ;    Massachusetts,  200. 
Connecticut,  State,  198. 

Cook,  Rev.  Samuel,  13. 
Cooper,  Rev.  Dr.,  28,  193,  231. 
Cork,  134. 

Costumes,  Colonial,  36,  37. 
Covenhoven,  Captain,  35. 
Crowes,  Miss,  21. 
Cruger,  Henry,  175. 
Cunningham,  John,  48,  133. 
Gushing,  Thomas,    101,    153,    184, 

197,  199. 

Dalrymple,     Lieut. -Colonel,     161, 

162. 
Daverson,  Captain,  135,  145,  146, 

163- 
Dartmouth,  ship,  43,    178  ;    town, 

43- 

Davis,  William,  135. 
Deane,  Silas,  199. 
Deblois,  Gilbert,  58. 


281 


Delaware  River,  213. 

D'Estaing,  Count,   227,    239,  240, 

250. 

Delancy,  Mr.,  38. 
Devonshire,  ship,  24. 
Devonshire    and    Reeves,    54,    97, 

122;    letter  to,   13,  24,  57,   108, 

118. 

Diney,  Captain,  49. 
Doble,  Captain  William,  66. 
Dogclt,  Captain,  57. 
Donaldson,  John,  207. 
Dorchester,  6. 
Dyson,  Mr.,  15. 

East  India  Company,  178,  179. 

Edes&  Gill,  163. 

Edwards,  Captain,  72,  76. 

Eleanor,  tea-ship,  178. 

Eliot,  Samuel,  48,  107,  178,  234  ; 
Mrs.,  236. 

Elizabeth,  ship,  46. 

England,  n,  20,  50,  123,  148,  158, 
159,  238,  251. 

Fairfield,  Conn.,  202,  221,  240. 

Faneuil  Hall,  83,  101,  103,  124, 
126,  127,  157,  159,  '162,  185, 
224,  225,  229  ;  market,  60. 

Faneuil,  Peter,  56,  68. 

Farr,  Captain,  28. 

Far  rah,  Captain,  72. 

Fleming,  John,  95. 

Fletcher,  Samuel,  107. 

Flucker,  lion.  Thomas,  79;  secre 
tary,  185,  1 86. 

Fitch,  Mr.  Timothy,  39,  46,  47,  68. 

Fly,  brig,  58. 

Folger,  1 10. 

Folger,  Captain,  23,  39  ;  Mr.,  23, 
24,  25. 

Folger  &  Gardiner,  26,  30,  33,  42. 

Folger  &  Starbuck,  99,  114. 

Fort  1 1  ill,  I  So. 


Foster,  William,  234. 
Franklin,  Benjamin,  200. 
Franks,  Moses,  207. 
Freeman,  Captain,  118. 
Funeral  customs,  44,  45. 

Gage,  General,  123,  159,  162,  163, 
191,  195,  197,  201,  206,  208, 
252. 

Gage,  Governor,  79,  184,  185,  186, 
189. 

Gardiner,  William,  no. 

Gerrish,  Mr.,  15,  16,  29  ;  Ben 
jamin,  Esq.,  35,  38,  107. 

Gray,  Harrison,  treasurer,  74,  79, 
149. 

Gray,  Thomas,  145?  !5O>   William, 

49- 

Graham,  John  M.,  184. 
Granary  Burying-Ground,  2,  73. 
Great  Britain,  69,   120,    124,    154, 

165,  209. 
Green,  Rufus,  49. 
Greenwood,  Miles,  15. 
Gridley,  Jeremiah,  101  ;    Mr.,  142. 
Griffin's  Wharf,  180  ;    Mr.,  117. 
Griffith,  Parson,  75. 

Haley,  George,  94,  129,  145,  147, 
148,  149,  150,  155,  157,  163, 
168,  235  ;  Mr.,  144,  233  ;  Mrs., 
234,  236  ;  Mrs.  Mary,  235. 

Haley  &  Hopkins,  164,  165,  166, 
168,  169,  172,  176;  letters  to, 
167,  173,  176,  177,  183. 

Halfmoon,  sign,  58. 

Hall,  Captain  James,  178. 

Halifax,  N.  S.,  15,  38,  43,  119, 
156  ;  Mass.,  191. 

Hancock,  John,  I,  2,  3,  4,  5,  6,  8, 
M,  17.  34,  37.  43'  45.  54,  55.62, 
66,  77,  84,  89,  93,  96,  98,  101, 

IO2,     IO6,     IO7,     III,     112,     113, 


282 


INDEX 


115,  116,  117,   120,  123,   125, 

129,  130,  136,    139,  147,    154, 

!55>  156,  157,    164,  165,    i 66, 

167,  171,  172,    179,  184,    185, 

191,  194,  195,    196,  199,   201, 

2O2,  203,  2O6,  211,  215,  2 1 8, 
220,  221,  223,  225,  228,  229, 
236,  239,  241,  247,  251,  252. 

Hancock,  Hon.  John,  173,  223  ; 
colonel,  176,  184,  185,  191  ; 
major-general,  227. 

Hancock,  John,  ability,  212  ; 
adopted,  4  ;  aids  others,  105, 
116;  "and  his  crew,"  108 ; 
apologizes,  115  ;  counting-house, 
loo,  124,  185  ;  daughter,  213  ; 
dress,  242  ;  arrested,  164  ;  broth 
erly  love,  170,  171  ;  benevolent, 
173,  174,  177  ;  coach,  104,  198  ; 
town-meeting,  153  ;  moderator  of 
town-meeting,  183,  224  ;  select 
man,  68,84,  l6l>  l62>  l83>  186, 
187,  188;  sentiments,  119  ;  Gen 
eral  Court,  129,  152,  162,  164, 
165,  172,  183,  184,  187,  230; 
illness,  134,  147,  182,  222  ;  gifts, 
224  ;  indignation,  136,  142,  143  ; 
massacre  orator,  183  ;  tenants, 
145  ;  mother,  147  ;  name  in  cor 
ner-stone,  224  ;  memorial,  194  ; 
marriage,  204  ;  names  son,  202  ; 
Continental  Congress,  186,  190, 
2O2,  207,  247  ;  Provincial  Con 
gress,  187,  189,  192  ;  reception 
in  New  York,  198  ;  Worcester, 
200  ;  son  dies,  233  ;  signs  Dec 
laration  of  Independence,  21 1  ; 
resigns  as  president,  221  ;  re 
ception  in  Boston,  223  ;  reviews 
destruction  by  British  army,  224  ; 
thanked,  224  ;  paid  bills  for 
public,  229  ;  never  paid,  231  ; 
business-house  destroyed,  232  ; 


death,  243  ;  funeral,  244  ;  grave, 
245  ;  monument,  246  ;  in  Con 
stitutional  Convention,  231  ;  gov 
ernor,  231  ;  major-general,  227. 

Hancock,  Rev.  John,  3,  13,  147. 

Hancock,  John,  nephew  of  patriot, 
248. 

Hancock  &  Adams,  192,  193. 

Hancock,  Ebenezer,  4,  54,  170, 
171,  248,  250. 

Hancock,  Madam,  7,  173,  176,  177, 
189,  193  ;  Lydia,  174,  192,  239, 
240. 

Hancock,  Mrs.,  21,  28,  32,  39,  210, 
215,  218,  221,  223,  235,  236, 
241,  242. 

Hancock,  Mrs.  John,  240 ;  Lydia 
Henchman,  213,  223. 

Hancock,  Lucy,  5,  13. 

Hancock,  Mrs.  Dorothy,  6,  227  ; 
marries  James  Scott,  247. 

Hancock,  Mary.  4,  148. 

Hancock,  Thomas,  3,  4,  5,  6,  8, 
9,  13,  15,  16,  17,  18,  27,  30,  35, 
36,  38,  41  ;  death,  44;  estate,  60, 
68,  78,  123,  145,  239. 

Hancock's  Letters  — 
To  his  aunt,  7. 

General  Washington,  201,205, 

207,  210. 
Dolly,  his  wife,  216,  218-220, 

221,  222,  225. 

General  Ward,  212. 

General  Schuyler,  206. 

General  Montgomery,  206. 

The  thirteen  States,  212,  213. 

New  England,  214. 

Mr.  Purviance,  228. 

Robert  Morris,  231. 

James  Scott,  233. 
Hancock  home,  123,  156. 
Hancock  mansion,  9,  137,  188,  192, 
208,  227,  238. 


INDEX 


283 


Hancock's  store,  60,  106. 

Hancock's  wharf,  8,  99,  156,  175. 

Hanson,  Thomas,  207. 

Harris,  Mr.,  34. 

Harrison  &  Ansley,  168,  177. 

Harrison,  brig,  120,  125. 

Harrison,  Mr.,  36. 

Harrison,  ship,  69,  86. 

Harrison,  Gilbert,  170. 

Harrisons  &  Barnard,  letter  to,  125, 

I3I>  134,  135,  138,  139- 

Harrison,  Barnard,  &  Sprag,  140, 
145,  146,  149. 

Hartford,  Conn.,  221. 

Harvard  College,  5;  hall,  58  ;  li 
brary,  93  ;  town,  1 1 1. 

Hawks,  Mary,  148. 

Henchman,  house,  5- 

Henshaw,  Joshua,  101,  137. 

Hill,  Lamar  &  Bissett,  150. 

Hillegas,  Mr.,  219. 

Hingham,  148. 

Holbrook,  schoolmaster,  189. 

Honnog,  John,  25,  26. 

Hood,  Captain,  165. 

Hood,  Commodore,  1 60. 

Hoskins  William,  232,  233,  234, 
236,  253. 

Howe,  General,  216 ;  Mrs.  Ed 
ward,  41. 

Huline,  Captain,  83. 

Hunter,  Captain,  24. 

Hutchinson,  Foster,  108. 

Ilutchinson,  Gov.,  79,  157,  184, 
185  ;  Lieut. -Gov.,  84,  108,  167. 

Hutchinson,  Thomas,  172. 

Independence,    Declaration  of,   8, 

129,  211,  212. 
Ireland,  37,  64. 

Jackson,  Clement,  105,  107,  133. 
Jackson,  Edward,  118. 


Jamaica  Plain,  138,  157,  161. 
Jacobson,   Capt.   Howard,  27,    28, 

30,  124. 
Jefferson,  Thomas,  200  ;  statement, 

209. 

Jenkins,  Mr.  Arthur,  54. 
Jones,  Mr.,  38. 
Jones,  Arthur,  106. 
Jones  &  Co.,  107. 
Jones,  Madam,  194. 
Jones,  Robert,  129. 
Jones,  William,  54,  140. 

Kent,  Benjamin,  101. 

Kidder,  Peabody,  &  Co.,  252. 

Kilby  &  Barnard,  145. 

Kilby  &  Symmes,  135. 

Kilby,  Barnard,  &  Parker,  10,  40. 

Kilby,  Christopher,  Esq.,  32. 

King's  army,  161. 

King's  Bridge,  N.V.,  198. 

King  George  III.,  211. 

Kirk,  Thomas,  156. 

Knowles,  Admiral,  51. 

Knox,  General,  79. 

Lafayette,  240,  248. 

Lamar,  Hill,  &  Bissett,  80. 

Lane,  Mr.,  146. 

Lane  &  Booth,  66. 

Lane,  Benson,  &  Co.,  134. 

Lechmere  family,  19. 

Lee,  Richard  Henry,  200. 

Lepley,  Mr.,  23. 

Lesley,  Andrew,  36. 

Lewis,  Mr.,  40. 

Lexington,  3,  5,  13,  192. 

Lexington  alarm,  198. 

Lexington  common,  252. 

Lexington  parsonage,  192, 193,  252. 

Liberty,  sloop,  102,  122,  130,  133, 

156,  164;  Sons  of,  119,  126,  127; 

tree,  100,  119;  pole,  119. 


284 


INDEX 


Lincoln,  Benjamin,  187. 

Lisbon,  81. 

Livingston,  Robert,  200. 

Lockman,  Major,  38. 

Lord  North,  167. 

Louisburg,  C.B.,  II,  63. 

Lowell,  Elizabeth,  248. 

Loring,  Captain,  178. 

London,  6,  42,  106,  113,  122,  124, 

130,    131,    134,    135,    145,    163, 

164,  170,  200. 
London  merchants,  123,  140,  223, 

243>  251. 

Longman,  Thomas,  92,  93,  94,  95. 
Long  Wharf,  184. 
Loyalists,  97,   108,   154,    159,  206, 

227,  230. 
Luce,  Mr.,  217. 
Lunenburg,  173. 
Lydia,  brig,  42,  43,  46,  47,  56,  57, 

76,  102,  114,  148,  158,  165,  168, 

182. 

Madeira,  80,   147,  149,   156,  251  ; 

wine,  129,  149,  152. 
Marion,  Joseph,  50. 
Marshall,  Captain  John,  53,  76,  99, 

103,    107,    119;   Captain  James, 

156. 

Mackellar,  Major  Patrick,  27,  28. 
Martha's  Vineyard,  69. 
Marshfield,  191. 
Mary,  ship,  25. 
Massachusetts,  State  of,  201.;  stand 

by  it,  198  ;   staple  of,  215. 
Mauduct,  Jasper,  74,  79. 
McCloud,  David,  39,  46,  68,  79. 
Mein,  John,  94,  95. 
Merchants'  agreement,  89. 
Middleboro,  191. 
Milton,  180. 
Moor&  Smith,  140. 
Morris,  Hon.  Robert,  231. 


Monk,  Christopher,  183. 
Montgomery,  General,  206. 
Montreal,  206. 

Nantucket,  39,  43,  46,  69,  86,  122, 

125. 
Negro  slavery  in  Boston,  55,  91  ; 

Othello,  in  ;    Cuff,  194. 
New  Bedford,  43. 
Newbury,  34,  57. 
New  Castle,  44,  81. 
Newell,  Timothy,  137. 
Newfoundland,  10,  II. 
Newport,  R.I.,  227. 
New  York,  123,  160,  163,  196,  198, 

200,   209,   2l6,   220. 

Nicholson,  Captain,  217,  220. 
Non-Importation,  45. 
Nova   Scotia,    9,    16,  41,  47,    113, 
114,  162,  176. 

Old  Brick  Meeting-house,  225,  231. 
Old  South  Meeting-house,  157,  180, 

224. 
Oliver,    Andrew,    83,    100  ;    effigy 

of,  84. 
Otis,   James,   33,    34,    35,    39,    62, 

101,    106,    124,    129,    137,    142, 

!53>  J54  >    assaulted,  165. 

Pacific  Club,  Nantucket,  67. 

Paine,  Robert  Treat,  197,  199. 

Palfrey,  William,  136,  145,  167, 
169,  178,  183. 

Palfrey,  Mr.,  143,  176,  179. 

Palfrey,  Colonel  William,  167. 

Packet  Boston,  23,  33,  36,  37,  39, 
42,  44,  46,  47,  49,  57,  76  ;  pic 
ture  of,  67,  100,  114,  130. 

Park-street  Church,  245. 

Pendleton,  Edmund,  200. 

Penzance,  80. 

Pepperell,  Sjr  William,  63. 


1\'DEX 


285 


Percy,  Earl,  189,  208. 
Perkins,  Rev.  Daniel,  148. 
Phillips,  William,  no,  137,  184. 
Philadelphia,    29,    30,     178,     181, 

186,    196,    200,   204,   205,   213, 

220,  221,  231,  239,  241. 
I'hips  family,  19. 
Pluckrose,  Mr.,  218. 
Plymouth,  120,  249. 
Port  Bill,  186. 

Porter,  Rev.  Edward  G.,  16. 
Pownall,    Thomas,    6,    163,    164  ; 

Governor,  124. 
Precinct  Parsonage,  194. 
Privateering  authorized,  202. 
Province  Treasury,  78. 
Purviance,  Samuel,  214,  217,  218  ; 

Mr.,  218,  220;    Mrs.,  217,  220. 

Quarantine  laws,  55. 
Quincy,  Dorothy,  189,  239. 
Quincy,  Miss,  192,  194,  198,  203  ; 

at  Fairfield,  Conn.,  202. 
Quincy,  Edmund,  letter  to  J.  II., 

21 1 ;   to  Mrs.  J.  II.,  227. 

Randolph,  Peyton,  200,  201. 

Randolph,  Mr.,  210. 

Ransom  money,  47. 

Revere,  Paul,  127,  192,  247. 

Reeves,  William,  137,  153,  155. 

Revenue  Acts,  154,  155,  166. 

Robson,  Thomas,  49. 

Rotch,  Francis,  42,  43,  178. 

Rotch,  Mr.,  42,  1 80. 

Rotch,  Joseph,  43. 

Rotch,  William,  42,  43,  57,  64,  65, 

66,  77,  178,  250. 
Rowe,  John,  55,  101. 
Romney,  frigate,  156,  157,  164. 
Royall,  Mr.,  23. 
Ruddock,  John,  101. 
Ruskin,  2. 


Salem,  57,  186. 
Salisbury,  Edward  E.,  198. 
Savage,  Mr.  Arthur,  54,  138. 
Schuyler,  General  Philip,  206. 
Scott,  James,   24,   25,   33,   42,   43, 

44,  56,  102,  105,  116,  148,  155, 

1 77,  232,  236,  237, 238, 247, 248. 
Scott,  Joseph,  61. 
Scott,  Madam,  189,  247,  248. 
Scollay,  John,  61. 
Sewall  &  Lewis,  63,  70. 
Sewall,  Katy,  203  ;    Samuel,  101. 
Sherman,  Roger,  199. 
Shirley,  Governor  William,  51,  112; 

town,  174. 

Small-pox,  56,  57,  188. 
Smith,  Josiah,  58  ;  Henry,  81,  130; 

Captain,  122. 
Stamp  Act,  69,  81,  84,  86,  87,  92, 

103,    105,    112,    118,    122,    124, 

125,    126,    130  ;     stamps   arrive, 

83?  89  ;    paper,  82. 
Stamp  Act,  expenses  of,  92. 
State  House,   Old,   44,    162,    184, 

185,  224,  231. 

Stockton,  Captain  Robert,  1 1. 
Symmes,  Thomas,  61. 

Taoli,  ship,  170. 

Tea-ships  arrive,  178. 

Thatcher,   Oxenbridge,    Esq.,   35  ; 

died,  84  ;   Rev.  Peter,  247. 
Thaxter,  Samuel,  148. 
Thanksgiving,  annual,  187. 
Tories,  1 19. 
Tory  Row,  19,  205. 
Town-meetings  forbidden,  187, 
Townsend,  Mr.,  29  ;   Channy,  83  ; 

Solomon,  241. 
Trafford  &  Elms,  10. 
Tricothick  &  Co.,  34  ;  Mr.,  146. 
Ticonderoga,  214. 
Tuton,  ship,  49. 


286 


INDEX 


Tyler,  Royal,  48. 
Virginia,  201. 

Waitt,  Eleanor  Hoskins,  232. 

Ward,  General  Artemas,  212;  Eliza 
beth,  212. 

Wales,  Mrs.  William,  6,  216,  218, 
222,  242,  248. 

Water  town,  196. 

Waldo,  J.&D.,  49,  133. 

Warren,  Dr.,  192. 

Warren,  General,  52,  232. 

Warren,  Joseph,  63,  154. 

Warren,  Lady,  18,  38,  39,  62. 

Warren,  Sir  Peter,  18,  62. 

Washington,  George,  200,  205,  206, 
240;  words  of,  209;  Col.,  51,  200. 

Washington,  Mrs.,  210,  218. 

Washington,  letter  to  Hancock, 
209;  nominated,  201 ;  called  to 
Philadelphia,  210  ;  commander- 
in-chief,  215. 


Wendell,    John,  9,    13;    Edmund, 

46. 

Wendell  &  Hancock,  12. 
Wendell,  Judge,  235  ;  Oliver,  250. 
Weston,  58,  193. 
West  Indies,  135. 
Wharton  &  Bowes,  107,  133. 
Wheelwright,  Nathaniel,  39,  61. 
Whitney,    Abigail,    107,    131  ;    S., 

and  daughter,  133;  Thomas,  174; 

Rev.  Phineas,  174. 
Whittemore,  General,  n,  27,  28  ; 

Captain  Edward,  II,  27,  28. 
Wigglesworth,  Edward,  107. 
Williams,  Mr.,  29. 
Williamson,  Dr.,  178. 
Wilmington,  Dela.,  217. 
Winthrop,  Adam,  182. 
Wisenhall,  Dr.,  220. 
Wolcott,  Governor  Roger,  245,  246. 
Worcester,  221. 
Wright  &  Gill,  54,  94,  96. 
Wyman,  Amos,  194. 


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